SPILLING THE TEA on Minimalism, Influencers, Marriage + Things I've *NEVER* talked about before! Q+A

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Hey! My name is Natalie and I love sharing about my life as a mom and homemaker/homesteader. Around here we embrace the coziness in the chaos and the magic in the mundane. I believe simple joys and a home filled with love (not STUFF) are more important than "keeping up with the Joneses." I'm glad you stopped by! I hope you find some encouragement and gentle motivation and a cozy corner of the internet that's full of peace.
OTHER PLACES YOU CAN FIND ME:
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Gardening Channels I enjoy:
/ @charlesdowding1nodig
/ @epicgardening
/ @gardenanswer
/ @gardenanswerhighlights
/ @rootsandrefugefarm
HOW TO HOST (without losing your mind): • ✨HOW TO HOST A HOLIDAY...
FITNESS PODCAST EPISODE: • 1565: Why Women Should...
MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
🎵Grace Chiang - staying in on Sunday (it is well) - thmatc.co/?l=E...
SOME HELPFUL TAGS:
organize with me,declutter with me,messy to minimal,how to declutter,minimal mom,clean with me,minimalism,minimalist,decluttering,clean declutter and organize with me,declutter and organize with me,natalie bennett messy to minimalist,satisfying declutter,cleaning motivation,2023 goals,new year resolutions 2023,how to be a minimalist,how to have a simple life,Life update,Health update,Husband and wife vlog,Homestead,First time homesteader

[@charlottehill4527]

The cartwheel took me out, was not expecting that 😂

[@NatalieBennett]

Haha! 🩷🤸

[@brooklynnwhite3074]

I tutor math at a math learning center and I often have an older student look over and see what a younger student is working on and say how they wish their work was that “easy” or that they still had that type of work. I’ve found it very effective to remind them that it wasn’t easy for them when they were still at that age learning it and that things feel “easy” when once we learn it. When they tell me something feels easy to them I praise them that I am glad it feels easy and that means they are learning it and I ask them to remember when they were saying it was “hard”. I’ve noticed it helps with it feeling to them like everything just gets harder. Now of course some things really are “hard” even after we have learned them, especially if there are challenges involved, but that is a separate conversation we have about that not determining their worth, etc…

[@smcat87]

Hi Natalie! I really enjoy your channel. I found you last year when I was pregnant with my daughter. She was misdiagnosed with turners when I was 16 weeks. Your videos about your pregnancy helped get me through. My baby girl is now 11 months old and I can confidently report that she is perfectly healthy. I am also blessed with a 10 year old son. God used one of your videos last fall to nudge at my heart to start homeschooling. Thanks again and God bless you!

[@suezannek6535]

I liked that you were real about the bedtime routine back in the day! I am in that boat where I just want to get then to bed some nights. It can be exhausting. Blessings Natalie

[@kurstiemichela418]

For the last couple years you have felt like a big sister to me and I connected even more when you said you are a rule follower and yet hate being told what to do. That is me to a T! Loved getting to sit and have a chat with you today. I just turned 27 and my oldest is 2 1/2. You are one of the main people who has helped me feel more confident that I can homeschool my kids. Love you Natalie and thank you for sharing some of your life!

[@NatalieBennett]

You are so sweet! We'll be rule following rebellious besties 😂

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

For my particular ADHD brain, I think the reason is due to the Wall of Awful, as Brendan Mahan calls it in the series on the How to ADHD channel.

[@haii2521]

A wedding planning series would be so fun to watch! I love the way you prep and host for family gatherings and really enjoy your holiday prep series so I think we could learn a lot from the wedding planning perspective and even apply it to other family events such as anniversaries and even birthday parties! 🥰

[@BethanyPlatt322]

I really liked what you said about influencers. There is a difference between an "influencers" and "creators." Especially when it comes to things like cleaning schedules. The person creating the list may be a high energy type of person who can keep it consistent every single day, but the person trying to follow it is a low energy or "slow and steady," and then they'd feel guilty about "falling behind." I am mostly a low energy type of gal. There's only so many "spoons," I have each day and I need to account for that. Now, there are days when I wake up and know I can do a lot, so I blast some high beat music and get a lot done, but I also know the follow up days need to be chill. I've learned that I shouldn't make schedules and assign tasks to days because I never know what I'm going to be feeling like on any given day, or even hour. I organize my tasks by energy/time rather than by a set day.

[@jkp62]

Re: bedtime- the best parenting advice was to keep a routine for children- same bedtime, same wake time (once they are past the nursing, midnight feed times and infant stage around 6-10 months or when they sleep 10+ hours straight). Our routine was after dinner, while I got the kitchen cleaned and reset, daddy gave baths, lotions them down and got them into their pj’s, and then they would cuddle on the sofa with us as we either read to them or put on a child friendly video (we raised ours when VHS was king 😂), and maybe a very light snack, then at 7:45 it was time to brush teeth, one last sip of water, potty and tuck in, by 8:30 there were no more interruptions and the kids were asleep. If by 8am they were not awake, I would wake them, depending on if they were ill, had a restless night or if they had a late night because we were away from home at friends or the friends and their kids came to us, but generally, my children woke up by 6:30 am (I was up at 4-4:30 am to exercise, shower and dress and spend quiet time with God and/or start laundry), my husband got up a 6:15 to get ready for work and the kids were usually awake and giving hugs and kisses to daddy before he left. I learned that children thrived on routines- meal times, snacks, chores, home school routines kept them grounded, they also had a lot of free play that was not directed by me because it allowed them independence and allowed their imaginations to soar when they had to learn how to entertain themselves, which in turn led to them being okay to sit and read or just be inactive and content with themselves.

[@devinfarrelly3768]

This worked for us too and our kids really thrived.

[@Siures]

We do the same. Mine are 4 and 5. We’re not absolutely strict like some families I know who will stick to the times even on family gatherings, but our daily life is very structured. I experienced that my kids really need that to be able to use their free time undisturbed. When I visit families without this structure I find it very stressful and the kids are constantly asking what’s next, if they could have candies now, if they really have to eat now… they don’t come into deep play because they don’t know what will happen and watch out all the time.

[@lylagray9669]

I have honestly taken a break from KZbin and other social medias for a while. It is so nice to catch up with you and get some heart to hearts. Sending you and your family prayers and I hope you get all your medical issues figured out. It is really scary and sometimes frustrating when no one can tell you what is actually going on.

[@kiffanibond165]

How exciting to serve the Lord together❤❤

[@NatalieBennett]

We've always loved it! 🩷

[@jewelsgem7751]

I can’t be the only one interested in your beeswax candle making

[@alenakhatuntsev4042]

Yes would love to see some candle making tutorials! I was just wanting to get into making beeswax candles!

[@skof28]

Me too😅

[@theoriginaltunnelfox]

Haha nope! Definitely would love a video on it!

[@laurensmith5227]

Yes, Natalie please give us more info on the beeswax candles!!

[@jessicafrick6584]

Me too! 👋🏼

[@csimmons925]

This was so wholesome! Felt like I was sitting and chatting with a friend!

[@susanlawson5926]

When I’m doing any diy or cleaning, gardening…I start with your videos❣️

[@NatalieBennett]

Oh, that makes me so happy! Thanks for being here Susan! 🩷

[@kimberlymayeux-maillet2363]

Really like these "chats" we are having and learning things at the same time. Thank you :)

[@cynthiaslebodnik6945]

I really like this video. Very helpful. Since watching several videos on decluttering and cleaning my mindset on these areas has changed. Each morning when I dress, I'll disinfect my sink and toilet. Before bed, I disinfect my kitchen counters, stove, and sink. That question regarding marriage gave me a chuckle. On June 26, I'll be celebrating my 42nd anniversary. We're still learning. I would tell anyone getting married would be communication. Don't be afraid to talk about any issues that come up. Have a good week. 😊

[@NatalieBennett]

yes! Habit stacking can be life-changing!

[@christinaklemens6893]

Please, please do a candle making season for us!! I don't watch just anyone ...but you I do!

[@megancox9549]

I love the discussion about exercise and diet, I’d love that video!!

[@stacymartin9702]

Your messy to minimal series is how and when I started following you. As for housework routines, I have tried to set goals or lists of expectations. I have also failed every time. Glad to know I'm not the only one. My motivation comes in different ways and even times. I can fully relate. I love how you allow your daily activities to be an open door of learning opportunities. Your children will be blessed by that. Thanks for the chat on the porch. 🥰

[@mimikels9443]

Omg!!!! My adhd brain works like yours. I've always hated schedules, making appointments, etc. I do have morning routines and evening routines via my severely modified flylady lists. I do them in whatever order I fell like but I know they have to get done or I will regret it. Future me appreciates past me so much when the bathrooms get reset, bed gets made, kitchen gets put up for the night. I have not been able to stick with meal planning. I'll make a list, stick to it for Mon and Tues. But then Wed me doesn't want what's on for Wed. Then Thurs me does the same and before I know it, the whole menu is kaput. Also. I am officially done Homeschooling. 30 years. I am emotional about it.

[@angiedarmetta6682]

I would absolutely LOVE it if you did videos on how to host small and large gatherings and things you need like serve ware and utensils etc

[@kathyzakharyuk8050]

Love love love the way you share real life with us. Not some hypothetical perfect concepts, but the way real life goes down :) thank you

[@lifesabundantjourney]

Id love a 30min talk on 🐝 candles!

[@Abeautifulmundanelife]

Yes ❤equal parts or put in to your marriage as you plan the wedding! As the wedding is a one day party but the marriage is for a lifetime to glorify God! Thankful for Godly mentors in our life! 😊 Thanks for your genuine sharing! I feel encouraged about my balance in homeschool like you mentioned with you planning the book work in core subjects and letting your children & real life skills lead the rest. And yes I look forward to learning from you about beeswax candles!

[@stschubs]

fyi if you're in minnesota you CAN grow watermelons, your season is long enough :) You just gotta plant starts

[@NatalieBennett]

ha ha! Tells you what I know about other growing regions lol 🙃🩷

[@capricebachor7632]

Totally agree on what you said about the challenges of homeschooling older kids. Here a little there a little :) Attitudes toward the harder work can be difficult to navigate, but when they see what they’ve accomplished, it’s like cresting a mountain … so rewarding!

[@cherylmark1503]

I love this type of vlog! Thanks for sharing all of your awesome advice!! Your backdrop/porch area is so pretty

[@melanievallely9539]

The rule follower and rebellion against it is exactly how I am too - it's an odd dichotomy, but it 100% works that way. I resent being told what to do, but I'm a stickler for "what's supposed to happen." And, I'm sorry about the POTS! I've had it for ten years, and that dizziness/stars is no joke. I can't do cartwheels anymore because of it 🥴

[@fallinginlovewithadventure6343]

I would LOVE to hear you talk about beeswax candles! I made my first set of beeswax candles a couple of weeks ago.

[@ahowern]

❤ I just started their muscle mommy program yesterday. The program was easy to understand. I'm looking forward to seeing where it takes me

[@NatalieBennett]

I’m starting phase 2 of that program this week! It’s a good one! 🩷

[@ahowern]

@@NatalieBennett I'm definitely feeling it this am, but in a good way!

[@josephinesamantha8161]

Recently I've been learning about how to make beeswax candles...definitely still in the learning phase right now :) I would LOVE to see a video on any tips and tricks you have for making beeswax candles! 🐝 🕯

[@jennylhenry78]

It's 88 with 57% humidity which makes it feel like 95 today. I'm literally just sitting in a tshirt bc I'm so hot while watching the Q&A with you in a sweatshirt drinking hot coffee. 🥵❤

[@NatalieBennett]

Cold coffee! But yeah, just about 67° here and breezy!

[@dianasimplifies]

Yes I was shocked to see you in sweats as soon as much of the country is in a heat wave! Glad it's skipping over you. ❤😅

[@maddytcam6660]

You make me think of Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader Reece. Not only in looks but also in demeanor. It is a big compliment btw💕

[@Mama.bear.]

Yay for a new video! Also, love your sweatshirt! 🤍

[@constancebailey5133]

1) plz talk more about the bees wax candles! 2) it's so good to see you looking happy, strong and well. I didn't expect you to do that cartwheel lol. But so happy for you if that's an indicator of how you're feeling. ❤

[@kworthing1989]

I feel so seen about the new challenges of homeschool!

[@Julie-si3hi]

Love chatty Natty tea time ❤ 🍵 The porch swing looks so comfy.

[@samanthakwait8782]

I’m in the stressful night time phase still with 2 boys- 2 and 6.

[@susan06860]

I absolutely love your videos. I could watch you every day...I do go back and watch the older ones. Somehow I missed the winners of the free month to your patreon channel. Congratulations to them!!

[@catharinab8860]

My kids are 16 and 18 now and homeschooling is actually illegal in Sweden but I would’ve loved to homeschool them, I loved spending (and do love to spend) time with them before they started school. I love animals and nature and actually grew up in a family where my parents didn’t have time and/ or interest for teaching me and my siblings stuff but I did hang out with my grandma who always tought me stuff like baking and everything about flowers etc. And her penchant for sharing her knowledge and beeing a 16year old moving away from home without any real knowledge about how to manage a home, cooking etc. really influenced me to teach my kids everything I know 😉

[@valeriedurrant7819]

Beeswax candles topic video please!

[@teliciamckee9477]

I really enjoy your content! I especially love that you play the piano and sing like me 😇 I applaud you are creative and artistic in other ways too! I wish I was 😂 thank you for always having growth mindset and pushing us to do the same 💜

[@emilyphelps2624]

Hi Natalie! I have been wanting to get into making beeswax candles for a while now and was so excited to hear you mention them! I would love a tutorial or even just your knowledge and know-how on the subject… maybe a good idea for a patreon video? ❤ your videos are such an encouragement to me - thank you!!

[@cack121]

Sorry, but I found the "how do you put 3 kids to bed" question absolutely HILARIOUS. We have 7 and all I do is say "its time for bed". My guess is that if you have trouble getting your children to bed then the parents have more of a discipline problem than the children do. LOL Dinner, baths, bible time or story time and lights out.

[@baileywibberley9731]

I always enjoy your videos so much 🫶🏻

[@mathiog56]

Every time you wear your Pemberley sweatshirt I think of the quote Elizabeth says, "To all of this, I would have been mistress." 😂love it!

[@jennylhenry78]

Where's the link to your sweatshirt?! And what size did you order? Thanks!!

[@Thisorganizedmother]

Love these chats!

[@rachelrenee9823]

You look beautiful! I really enjoyed this one, thank you 😊

[@StephanieRuby09]

How did you decide as a couple to live near your family versus your in-laws?

[@NatalieBennett]

we live near both of them! Same ZIP Code our entire lives! it’s Weston‘s extended family that is sometimes in Idaho!

[@StephanieRuby09]

@NatalieBennett OH! Thank you for clarifying. I know it can be a difficult topic for couples deciding where to buy a home. That is wonderful that you have both sides so close.

[@sydney6268]

I'm the same with rules lol. I have OCD, so I think that's part of it, but I haaaate being told what to do, but I've even been told by supervisors and professors to lighten up with how strictly I adhere to rules. I think it's a thing with whether I think the rule makes sense to follow considering the goal the rule is trying to reach. But it is an interesting dichotomy.

[@ikki4021]

Haha i’m not subscribed from the beginning, but when it showed: let’s have a chat. My mind thought: chatty natty🥰 Always looking forward for you’re video’s. Let’s start watching and relaxing and finding some peace in my live from you’re lovely words and motivation

[@AprilLee1996]

I am in the bedtime trenches right now with a 9 week old so I love your honesty about that 🤣 some nights I'd really like to just go to bed, but I know I will probably miss this time so I'm just trying to live in the moment I'm in... but also looking forward to it getting just a little easier 😉

[@NatalieBennett]

Don’t worry! It will get easier. I promise you! 🩷

[@theoriginaltunnelfox]

Love chatty videos! ❤

[@maryborreson1781]

Gardening videos plz

[@janeweldon8874]

Thank you for an interesting video. ❤

[@MarshaCaughill]

❤❤❤❤❤thanks for sharing 😊

[@hopejstone]

BOOK REC | Want to recommend this book, she also has three kids and has a teacher's heart: Fierce Love: A Memoir of Family, Faith, and Purpose by Sonya Curry

[@NatalieBennett]

thanks so much! I’ll look into it🩷

[@lifesabundantjourney]

Podcast link please?! Metabolism

[@violettefemme21]

She linked it! It’s an older episode from Mind Pump. I would personally also recommend checking out Jessie Golden’s podcast if you’re looking for real information about how to actually change your body and work WITH your metabolism. I would assume it’s all in the same vein as what Mind Pump teaches based on what I know about them.

[@AprilShowers560]

Is long division still part of the curriculum in the US or are you teaching it because it’s a particular interest of yours? Long division isn’t routinely taught in Australia, hasn’t been for a long time. It’s become obsolete.

[@sunetvanschalkwyk2456]

Have you ever done canning or are you interested in canning?

[@NatalieBennett]

I’ve done a little here and there! I actually just made an order of jars and lids for preserving some of this year’s harvest if I can! 🩷

[@janeweldon8874]

❤

[@dannifulker7494]

❤️

[@sophielafleche3803]

You nailed that cartwheel! LOL. I can't believe you have already been at the house for 3yrs. That means I found your channel 3yrs ago! 🤎

[@lifesabundantjourney]

Id love a 30min talk on 🐝 candles!

[@marymilroy645]

I was so excited to see a video this morning! I was ready for a Natalie fix! ❤

[@NatalieBennett]

Yay!!!! 🩷

[@EliseWood]

Ahh my favorite KZbinr ❤

[@deannaw9657]

Dont like to be told what to do... yes. Avid rule follower.. yes! No clue how those two things coexist in one brain! Im 55 and it hasnt changed, Natalie! 😊

[@clknight65]

Great advise on marriage!

[@silver_csmith]

Thanks for the link to the fitness podcast…definitely going to check that out 👍🏻☺️

[@lauraarmstrong7376]

Thank you for being honest about your experience with bed time when your kids were little. I have 4 littles, 3 of which are 3 and under. For this season bedtime is not something I look forward to either. I’m just so exhausted by that time of day, and they aren’t always cooperative 🤪. I make a conscious effort to notice their littleness and rest in that. But it’s definitely tough! Good to know I’m not alone. ❤

[@angiejackman2541]

Loved Jackson Hole, Tetons, Yellowstone when we were kids 15 14, 10, 6.

[@NatalieBennett]

It's a lovely part of the country! 🩷

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

@@NatalieBennett You can say that again!!! The Tetons and Jackson are just a day trip for me, that's how much I fell in love with this region (I grew up in Minnesota) - there's nothing quite like real (i.e. bare rock) mountains, and the Tetons have the highest rise from the surrounding landscape of (if I remember correctly) any mountain range in the U.S.: no matter the time of year, there's nothing quite like driving north/west over Togwotee Pass, cresting the top, and just seeing the entire Teton range spread out in front of you. Last time I was there, as we were leaving over Togwotee, we saw a grizzly on one of the slopes above the road.

[@barbb.7028]

I just love "visiting" on the porch with you. Thanks for the invite.

[@haileyrose5565]

1 and 3 year old boys, and bedtime is definitely not "fun" I definitely appreciate cuddles and book reading it's special and so cute but..... 3 year olds....

[@salenarichardson2766]

I love Factor!

[@marybaker9401]

Love you Natalie!! Great chat video!!! God Bless you and your sweet family 🙏

[@findingaway5512]

Lavender had the opposite effect on my kids. Makes them amped up and not tired. Worth mentioning.

[@beloved7908]

Love your gentle spirit, sweet Natalie. 💝

[@jeanettewhite2144]

Great vlog. Thank you so much Natalie ❤

[@aprilsmith6587]

Where have you been? Hope you are feeling ok.

[@NatalieBennett]

I post every two weeks for my typical schedule. More often if I am able! Posting a new video tomorrow, as scheduled! 🤗

[@aprilsmith6587]

@@NatalieBennett Gotcha.

[@Housewarmin]

You watch Garden Answer too? I love laura!

[@NatalieBennett]

Have for years! She's seriously the BEST!!!!

[@madilynmaclellan]

i actually am on the hunt for a new robot vaccuum so i'm excited to see next weeks video!

[@NatalieBennett]

Oooooooohhhhh it's a GOOD one! I wish I could reveal now but my contract won't let me!

[@madelinedavies9110]

Ty so much, ,loved it. x

[@AbbyRossetter-lj6zn]

Thank you ❤

[@theonlyanna6925]

[@katharinedodson9330]

Factor meals seem like glorified Microwave TV dinners. No matter how good the ingredients, the microwave kills the good stuff.

[@NatalieBennett]

From personal experience, these are SOOOO very far from a TV dinner. And like I said in the AD, they can be heated up on the stove top because they are fresh, never frozen! This is how I actually heat them up most days and while it takes an extra minute-- it's still so quick for a delicious and nutritious meal!

[@غَيَمَةالچنوپ]

😘💙

[@rebeccabarnes7907]

I didn’t realize you have post COVID POTS. I was diagnosed pre-COVID and I’m wishing you all the best!

[@NatalieBennett]

Not fun living with POTS. But I've learned to navigate/mitigate some of it over the years!

[@rebeccabarnes7907]

@@NatalieBennett I completely agree! I overdid it this weekend and have been struggling the last few days, your video helped me feel less alone today 🙂

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

Same here - June '19. A month ago went through one of the worst flares I've ever had (courtesy of storm systems coming through 2 days in a row then overdoing it the 2nd day at work), but seems to finally be somewhat settling back down. Definitely not always easy, but I've learned a lot over the last 6 years (it hit me full force May '18 - took over a year to get diagnosed, because grad school schedule).

[@rebeccabarnes7907]

@@SnowySpiritRuby My PCP suspected I had POTS in July 2019 and I got my official diagnosis after a tilt table test in December 2020. Hang in there! Rest and stay hydrated! And if you’re anything like me, don’t be too hard on yourself!