On the Sofa: A Costly Mistake!

[@coastaljan6193]

Lovely children's gifts, Vivi. The recipients will be so delighted. Well done.

[@WhatVivididnext]

I do hope so. 😊

[@anitavinesett3180]

Hello Lovely Vivi, I'm sure that whatever child gets one of your gifts will be overjoyed when they open it on Christmas morning.... I've been told by the workers that just donating a few packs of batteries is also a great help.... I don't donate food to food banks they have a program at my library that's called food for fines that i give to twice a year and it's for homeless people... They have a coffee machine where they can come in and get warm and read the paper or look at a magazine while having a cup of coffee and they make up small bags of ready to eat food and a piece of fruit so they can take with them... It hurts my heart for those that literally have nothing not even a home... You're a rare Jewel Vivi in a world where caring about others when you have so little yourself is hard to find.....Much Love from across the Pond 💞

[@WhatVivididnext]

It sounds like your library are doing a fab thing, I love that. 😊

[@janegoodfellow1529]

Thank you for keeping the child alive within yourself. It's a joy to see ❤

[@marshahodgkins9215]

In our town we have many children from needy homes. Our police dept. collects donations of money, uses the school to pick those it will help the most then takes the children shopping for gifts for their families and one thing for themselves. Therefore, we donate money to the police dept to help them serve as many families as possible. The toys you selected are delightful. What a great find to get the “twofer” as we call the, or buy one get one free, etc. You have a big heart Vivi. I hope you give yourself the tenner this year. You deserve it!

[@WhatVivididnext]

Thank you lovely. Yes, I'll be giving myself some treats for a tenner too. 😊

[@lynnoorman2144]

When I'm in a queue and someone tries to push in, I turn to them and say, "Are you in a desperate rush? Is someone in your family unwell? " If they say "yes, " then I let them go first. If they just look at me blank and in astonishment, I say," No? Then please stepback - I can smell what you had for breakfast. " It always works!!! I will not be bullied! I volunteer at a Foodbank and we try to include a few treats as well. Also hygene products such as toothpaste, tooth brushes, handwash and non bio clothes washing liquid. ( costs a fortune to wash kids clothes so that they are clean!)

[@WhatVivididnext]

Hahaha - great queueing technique! 😉

[@theresepazell7875]

Women's sanitary napkins never thought wish I should of cause I had a bad time w mine..ugh.

[@sarahm9651]

Lovely gifts for children and brings joy to you as the giver as well as the recipients. It annoys me too when people don’t queue the right way and try and muscle in on your space. 🙄

[@WhatVivididnext]

I got so much pleasure from selecting the toys. I really hope they'll make a few little people happy. 😊

[@kerrybyers257]

Great choices, Santa Vivi! Check if you need to include batteries for the truck. That used to be a biggie…to make sure there were extra batteries in the house on Christmas morning. Cheers!

[@WhatVivididnext]

Absolutely. I checked and there are batteries included. 😊

[@kerrybyers257]

@@WhatVivididnextthoughtful toy maker.👍👏

[@beverley1539]

Noticed on box there was a try me button? 🐝🇨🇦👋🏻

[@J-zb1nh]

It’s the syndrome of trying to get just an inch ahead and it’s the same on the roads. x

[@WhatVivididnext]

Ugh, it would terrify me on the road!

[@TheSpottedBoot]

Vivi, you have such a sweet spirit and tender heart ❤️ You're truly sharing the spirit of Christmas.

[@WhatVivididnext]

Thank you lovely. x

[@Janet-l2h]

What lovely generous gifts to the toy drive ❤️ I'm doing a reverse advent this year where you buy something for the food bank for every day of December then donate it all in January when donations are down after Christmas. You obviously needed that lie in Vivi. I set aside one day a week where there's nothing time dependent I need to get up for so I don't need to wake with an alarm. That way I can catch up on sleep if I need it without it messing up my day.

[@WhatVivididnext]

It was wonderful to sleep!!! I could do with a whole week of it. 😉

[@60th60th]

Watching this whilst enjoying a bowl of homemade lentil soup which was inspired by your recent video. I made up the whole packet of the lentils and it turned out absolutely delicious! The toys are lovely and good value, I think. Very enjoyable video, Vivi.

[@WhatVivididnext]

Thank you lovely. So glad you're enjoying the lentil soup. 😊

[@janegoodfellow1529]

Thrilled to hear about your decent youtube payout this month. Is there anything else we can do to boost this still further? I now let the ads run, sometimes watch your content more than once, and multi comment, but if there's anything else do let us know. It's a small price to pay for all the joy and wisdom and comfort you give us 🤗

[@WhatVivididnext]

Thank you lovely. I don't know what else to do other than keep plugging away. 😊

[@bobbiejo8747]

If it were not for people with a heart like yours, I would have had scarce Christmases as a child. Maybe those who have experienced receiving with astonished gratitude make the best givers.... ❤ 🙏 Glad you had a good sleep.

[@mariac3534]

Great gifts for some lucky children. Can't wait to see what treats you get for yourself. I enjoy that every year.

[@WhatVivididnext]

Thank you lovely....I'm looking forward to the treats! 😁

[@ruthpilkington9087]

What lovely gifts! So thoughtful of you! It made me feel nostalgic as well 😢😅

[@WhatVivididnext]

Aww, thanks lovely. 😊

[@alex31p]

Folks don't stand in line quite as orderly as they do in England. Always in a terrible rush.

[@ShirleyBonner-Jones]

Bless you. I love your excitement and enthusiasm sharing the gifts you bought

[@WhatVivididnext]

🤗

[@joannelandriault7715]

It’s day 20 of our postal strike…at this rate I don’t think any of us will be receiving Xmas cards this year. Very generous of you to donate food and gifts. I try to donate as often as I can as sadly the need is relentless. Our first snow today. Until next time.🌟❤️😘

[@WhatVivididnext]

Argh, such unfortunate timing re the strike. I remember in 2020 I hardly had any post throughout all of December......I eventually received cards and parcels in February! Yes, it's so sad, appalling really, that the need for donations continues....and is growing each year. 😢

[@beverley1539]

🇨🇦🐝👋🏻

[@SallyMavin-lo3hr]

Hello Vivi, thank you for another interesting vlog. I wanted a spirograph as a child and never got one so I know the feeling. I used to listen to the radio a lot as a child so listened to the shipping forecast. It felt quite nostalgic as you talked about the book. Thank you.

[@WhatVivididnext]

Ooooh, spirograph! I, too, didn't get one......but my best friend did so I got to have a bit of a play with it. 😁

[@kasandrabrown8611]

I liked the truck. The colors and noise would be attractive. 🎉

[@WhatVivididnext]

I would be delighted to play with it. 😉

[@mysecondsmile]

I loved my Tiny Tears doll (who also wet herself!) In fact, I still have her in my memory box. My gran was a seamstress and made loads of doll's clothes for her. ❤

[@WhatVivididnext]

Awww, how lovely.....and I'm a tad jealous! 😉

[@theresepazell7875]

I love the saying. Like Ship shape.etc.fun

[@cherrypie8796]

My first son loved pushing a pushchair and dolly.

[@evajames2332]

Are you doing the £10 treat this year?Always look forward to seeing your treats.😊

[@WhatVivididnext]

Yes! 😁

[@SuperNorini]

As kids the mention of Bloody Foreland always gave us the giggles!!!

[@WhatVivididnext]

Hahaha. 😉

[@SuperNorini]

@@WhatVivididnext I hope you liked the ad Vivi. It always makes me cry... The message being one of nostalgia and parental love...

[@AlisonGreenValleyCrone]

I like to get herbs and spices for the food bank as flavour makes such a difference. Once my daughter and I got a load of female sanitary products - useful but not very festive

[@WhatVivididnext]

Absolutely....every day staples for the bathroom too!

[@mariebaker8609]

The issue of gifts for children at Christmas is a very painful one. I used to go into debt every year to get presents for my 2 children. I don't think that was good. We didn't have extended family or charitable places to cover gifts. It sounds as if your mum had no extra money, like me. She chose not to get into debt so you didn't get much in the way of gifts. Thinking about it, it seems as if , being poor as a parent, you just can't win. I still remember the awful feeling of approaching Christmas with no means to get my children lovely gifts. It's heartbreaking.

[@WhatVivididnext]

😢

[@sophiawolthof1238]

👍👍👍

[@janegoodfellow1529]

Hoping so much you get the erroneous tax back 🤞 I'm always blown away by all the stuff you've done, and done so well, in your working life!

[@carlagarrett8584]

took the story on the shipping book and sent it to my son-in-law off amazon. Hardcover, he should quite love it.

[@WhatVivididnext]

Yay. 😊

[@aliliveswellonless]

I agree the tax form isn't that clear so I'm glad to hear that even you found it challenging! And I've yet to find out if I've done it right!!

[@WhatVivididnext]

Fingers crossed for you!

[@poolfield2]

Your first time Ali, I hope you did get it right! I hope you get your money back Vivi

[@patriciaschubert7616]

🥰🦋🐝. Pat USA

[@poolfield2]

I was puzzling over what to buy today for our local toy drive and I ended up with a marble run, it can be a bit noisy so I hope no one is hung over when their child is playing with it.

[@shess1640]

I give $ to the food bank as they have better buying power than I do. They know what people are asking for.

[@WhatVivididnext]

Ours only take food etc donations rather than cash.

[@irenelee3099]

❤

[@marie-colouringmehappy]

I asked my local food bank what was needed most Vivi, they said tinned desserts that could be eaten hot or cold (I guess if people are struggling with energy bills?) and most popular was tinned rice pudding, custard and semolina if that helps?

[@WhatVivididnext]

Great ideas, thank you.

[@marilyn9155]

You sound like me! Anyone who knows me , Knows my fear of being carted off to jail due to a mistake or just plain ignorance of an issue- tax related . I hire a ‘tax man’ to deal with this bc I am not figures -savvy. AT ALL . A once -a-year expense but keeps me out of the ‘red’ …Good advice tho. And yes, you guys are very proper and polite. I admire this. Love your generosity for food bank and kids needs. ❤ xx

[@mandymaxwell3249]

Oh Vivi you have the kindest heart bless you xx

[@WhatVivididnext]

Thank you lovely. x

[@pennythompson4790]

Although I had dolls I also had toy cars & guns xx

[@Dianne-ut5vr]

Hi Vivi that was great, so good to know your thoughts on Wintering, as this is on my list of books to look out for second hand as it has a lot of good reviews but of course that doesn't mean it is for everybody. I certainly don't want to pay over the odds for it then be disappointed like you were. I recently decluttered 'Mastery' by Robert Greene, I bought it new (paid too much for it, which is not like me) and was so excited to read it but got halfway through and was fed up! Such a negative view of humanity to think everyone is out to get on and step over people, I decided I didn't need that mindset and got rid of the book. I had watched some interviews of his and thought he made good points but no not for me! Have a good week. ☺

[@WhatVivididnext]

It's such a shame when a book has had such a build up and then turns out not to be to one's taste eh? I'm glad to have the opportunity to read any book when it's free.........but if I'd paid for Wintering I would have been kicking myself. 😉

[@cherrypie8796]

One of my pet hates is queueing Vivi, and crowded stores ugh.

[@WhatVivididnext]

I'm not a fan of crowded shops either.

[@JennyGunston-uh5og]

You could add a jar of hot chocolate powder as a treat, nice biscuits etc.

[@cherylprice1790]

Oh Vivi, toy shopping is so exciting! Thats very kind of you ❤ plus the foodbank too. ❤

[@WhatVivididnext]

I haven't been toy shopping for years (nephew and friend's kids are all grown now)....it was such fun!

[@cherylprice1790]

​@@WhatVivididnextThey will make someone very happy indeed! 😊

[@rickiwinter1587]

Hi Vivi, I would have loved the tractor and the dolls haha. Come to think of it would have loved a real tractor too. The shipping fore cast is so comforting, something that has never really changed. Felt exactly the same about 'Wintering' , disappointing .Your so kind and generous donating the toys.

[@WhatVivididnext]

Cheers lovely. It's interesting that yours and the previous two comments also didn't like Wintering....before I read it I'd heard so many folk rating it. I thought it was just me. 😉

[@witsonsmom729]

Great gifts for the children. Girls are farmers too and boys are dads. I never had enough baby or Barbie clothes for my dolls so a parent, grandparent, or caretaker who is creative to make nappies, clothing, blankets, crochet afgans and booties... who can make or teach to make fits right in with the dolls. ❤

[@WhatVivididnext]

I love home-made dolls clothes.......my second teddy still wears the jacket a neighbour made for him for when I took him to hospital with me (aged 6). 😊

[@witsonsmom729]

@WhatVivididnext That is precious, Vivi!

[@trina415]

You should have let a fart loool they would have soon shifted I know naughty 😂

[@WhatVivididnext]

Hahahaha......I wish I could do them on command. 😉

[@tinaweeks438]

Vivi, I’m so glad I’m not alone in not enjoying the book Wintering I actually gave up with it, I thought it was going to be a book to celebrate Winter but it was such a disappointment and I agree 100% with all your points about it. I love your book reviews, I’ve just read and thoroughly enjoyed Burn by Ben Short. Such thoughtful gifts for some lucky children, loved your excitement about them.

[@WhatVivididnext]

Thank you lovely.....and I'm so glad you had similar thoughts/feelings towards the book.....I was beginning to think I was missing something as so many folk had told me it was wonderful. 😉

[@pamelafreeman4548]

Love the gifts!!!❤😊 Hope your taxes are credited to you!!😊

[@ErnieCG]

Good video

[@WhatVivididnext]

Thank you Caroline.

[@gillianmeehan3206]

Regarding the food bank, I give a donation by monthly Direct Debit to the Trussell Trust so I don't have to remember to leave the goods and also they get to choose what they actually need.

[@cherylprice1790]

I hope you get your tax back Vivi. Great upload.

[@WhatVivididnext]

Oh I hope so too!

[@milda0820]

💖💖💖

[@beverley1539]

Hiya Vivi, oh great visit/chat. The gifts are perfect in my opinion. Did have Tiny Tears Doll. A Christmas picture of myself at 6 or 7 was in a nursing outfit with my baby doll whilst doing ironing on a plastic play set. Hmmm ironically went into the health care field for career. Thankyou take care from a snowy southern Ontario Canada 🇨🇦🐝

[@WhatVivididnext]

Oh my goodness, I can just picture all those gifts back then......I think I had a play nurse outfit too, though never had any intention of becoming one. 😉

[@lollys9041]

Well done Vivi. Personally I hated dolls and used to draw all over them..😂liked teddies, boats, bricks etc. 😻🙏❤️

[@WhatVivididnext]

I'm with you on the bricks! 😊

[@vannesagannon4555]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@simplyjulie1612]

FYI, the author of that book "un-alived" herself after she wrote it so it's no wonder it was a depressing book!

[@WhatVivididnext]

I was looking at other books she published since then so I think she is still alive and writing.

[@AtheistEve]

When queuing, wear a bustle or crinoline skirt.

[@WhatVivididnext]

Hahahahahahahaha. 🤣😂🤣😂 Brilliant.

[@kathylester651]

I almost bought that book Wintering last week. Decided against it for the moment. Thank you for your review. I wasn’t sure about it and now I am glad I didn’t buy it.

[@WhatVivididnext]

Maybe borrow it from the library to have a little 'sample' of it....

[@Glory3823]

😂i used to Have a zoo and a Farm set when i was a Child we had lots of Fashion Dolls like Sindy and Tresea ❤ 😂😂and Tammy from woolworth ❤ my Sister had Tiny Tears 😂❤🎉🎉🎉

[@WhatVivididnext]

Oooh, I so wanted a Tiny Tears!

[@Glory3823]

@@WhatVivididnext😂😂❤❤❤I had Chatty Cathy the American doll ❤she used to say i love you mammy 😂 her voice didn’t last long the following Spring my cousin got hold of her pulled her string too far it came away 😢😢😢

[@WhatVivididnext]

@@Glory3823 😢

[@ibislife]

The way we were packed on the tube last week, worse than sardines in a tin, it would be strange to not get a virus. Sneezing as we speak! 😅I hope you get the tax money back. About the treats for a tenner, you should maybe give yourself 14 quid? Think of the inflation. 😘

[@WhatVivididnext]

Cheers lovely. I hope the sneeze doesn't turn into something horrid.

[@ibislife]

@@WhatVivididnext Thank you 🥰

[@karenbransome6978]

Loved the toy shopping you did. That tractor looks fabulous. I have 2 grandsons, and I get to play with their toys, and its fab.😊❤😊 I love tractors, and when I was growing up I wanted to marry a farmer. 😂.... that unfortunately never happened 😢 As a lone parent and needing to use foodbank when my daughter was growing up, can I just say the toys are married to the child, and as a mum, I got to wrap the gift from me. That season of our lives was hard going, and thanks to people like you giving to organisations like the foodbanks and to Surrey Young Carer's Christmas was more enjoyable. Young Carer's get overlooked, and I was so thankful to Surrey Young Carer's for all they did for us but especially for my daughter. ❤ 😢 now im crying 😢 😭 im so proud of my daughter for all she has achieved and survived. She also survived university during covid. Graduating and let's ǰust say working indirectly for the King. 😊 Thank you once again ❤😊xx

[@WhatVivididnext]

You should be proud of you too! X

[@karenbransome6978]

@WhatVivididnext 🥹🥹🥹 thank you x

[@kathrynhall4775]

🌟💜🌟

[@michaelforrest4995]

OMG the queue story made my blood boil! Good for you though :)

[@WhatVivididnext]

One of the advantages of having a walking stick now. 😉

[@nrstooge]

I had an OK Coralle, linkin logs, and the best toy truck collection of any boy on the block, and stuffed animals.. give me a doll and the arms, legs and head got pulled off (hated them) Still not fond of children which is why I never had any. Wasn't fond of lace or ruffles/bows either.. I preferred playing in the dirt. Not a girlie girl at all. (I also don't own dresses).

[@WhatVivididnext]

Ooooh, I'd have loved a coralle too! 😊

[@deborahhw8030]

Why was queue guy doing that? What weird behaviour 😮. I often find PO queues stressful places.

[@WhatVivididnext]

Ugh, I have no idea why....but it's amazing the number of people who do it. Grr! 😉

[@sarahkennedy1481]

Gosh! 700 a month from UTube a month is excellent! How many views was this please?

[@WhatVivididnext]

I can't remember off the top of my head.....but I was delighted after a few really poor months. The viewing figures can be deceptive.....every video gets a different ad rate......so a highly viewed video may end up paying less than a poorly viewed video.....it's all to do with subject matter and a kazzilion other things.....it depends whether advertisers think the video is worth them putting an ad on.

[@michellejennings3232]

Wait, im confused a bit. Isn't you tube an American company, not a government agency? Do you charge less tax on your customers that earn less money? How would you even do that? I believe you are paying for using the you tube system. It sounds as if the US company has to pay taxes to your country.....an American company would have no idea what your total income is. Are taxes included in what you pay you tube in order to run your company? I was not clear what you meant.

[@WhatVivididnext]

No, this is an income tax issue....I pay income tax to the government of the country I live in. In terms of 'paying' to use KZbin they take a cut of the ad revenue.

[@michellejennings3232]

Ok. Got it.​@@WhatVivididnext

[@vannesagannon4555]

❤❤❤