VERY CHATTY HOME VLOG. BURNOUT, FINANCIAL WORRIES, CRAVING SLOW LIVING, QUITTING ALCOHOL & GARDENING

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

I was really worried to put this video out as I didn't know if it even made sense or if people would be unkind, so thank you so much for all of your lovely comments and kind thoughts.I'm glad I am not alone, and it resonates with you & we can do this together for anyone who is feeling the same. Maybe I’ll document my journey to slow living or just more intentional living if you like :) (Is this just middle age lol) xx

[@mrsg3460]

I've felt the same re procrastination/burnout etc. I've got 3 kids 1-6 so I put it down to being post pandemic and in the trenches of parenthood but the more I see about adhd etc it gets you thinking

[@gmj1636]

This is probably one of the best videos I have seen recently. Finally someone saying the truth about life and how we feel. I am currently at home with my little one, for almost two years now (we saved up so that I can stay until he is two, we feel that this is incredibly beneficial for children's development). I watch other parents, who run to work, run to pick the children up. I know most people barely have the time to think, to talk to their children, or just to have a decent breakfast when they are actually hungry. While we might think that we have a convenient and good life now, I sometimes feel that this is actually the opposite. While we have Alexa and smart phones and all sorts to things we don't actually need that much, we don't have time to breathe, we don't have time to eat, we don't have time to Be. When I think about this, I feel the ultimate rage for all of us guys, and think that the world we created for ourselves and our children is not actually as good as we think. I admire Lara's approach, as I think we all need to be very careful and start thinking for ourselves, figure out how we can and should do things so that it will actually be good for us and our family. Spoiler: it is probably not going to look like what most people do. This is a very strange time to live in and I am not surprised that we feel so lost...

[@natalietaylor3512]

Thank you so much for this video Lara, Its nice to know that we are not on our own with how we are feeling. I started my own business last year, and it took off so fast that my feet have not touched the ground, which is amazing and I am truly grateful for that, But I feel like I need to catch up with myself, if that makes sense ? The idea of working for myself was to be "Time Rich", as well as having a good income so we can enjoy our life, I am trying to find the balance, I am sure it's there somewhere. When you work so hard to get something you want, it's hard to let go of it. But we will get there, and we will get the balance. :)

[@zoestephens712]

I'm 44 and my children are 22, 23 & 24. I've been feeling a bit adrift for a while, my role as mother has changed so much as they go off to uni, get jobs and move out. I struggle to priorities myself but I'm learning and I've started by signing up for a remote uni course 😊

[@AnuschkavanDijke]

Careful using kitchen paper towel as coffee filter. Kitchen paper may contain contaminants that it gets during the manufacturing process. Since kitchen paper towel isn't meant to come into contact with food we eat (just sold for cleaning), it's not necessarily tested for contaminants that would be harmful if they end up in our food if we use them (longterm) as coffee filters.

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

Thank you! I am going to stop doing this!

[@jeansmith3367]

I have quit my job! I have been SO unhappy, - you put it beautifully and at the moment I can still enjoy the safety of my home, but there's other things I need to be doing. I have the monkey mind too, but if you can overcome it, it's very liberating! I even tell my mind to just be quiet! Tell myself I'm going to have a cup of tea/read my book/watch a programme - and THEN I will do that thing that's nagging me - but will stop thinking about it for a while. It's probably not even important! And you've already said, you don't HAVE to do it all today. I'm older than you are Lara, and it's taken me a LONG time to realise the things that you are already so acutely aware of, so well done, and it will pay dividends! I also know what you mean about your role as a mum changing, but it's a normal part of family life - but yes it can be a bit hard to adjust!

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

Firstly, congratulations!! Good for you!! I hope this brings you happiness and less stress. That's good advice, thank you. I think I need to just down tools and get out more and step away when it's overwhelming. Aw, thank you so much for all of your advice xx

[@heids2810]

I get this. Im a similar age to you and our kids similar ages too.i think it's the mid life crossroads and the entering a new age phase with the kids. It's the next little mini stage if our lives where we start to question what's next for us and what's important. I'm just muddling through it and taking it as it comes, you're not alone ❤

[@gemmasweetman6115]

I honestly feel at the same point in life. I think it's because this year we have no restrictions and can just do what makes you happy. I needed to switch off from work on my days off and not just clean the house. So set myself new goals, so get a little fitter and grow my own vegetables. My daughter says its my age 😂

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

Yes!! I wonder if this is it!! Actually not having so many restrictions and more choice! I just want a lovely wholesome life and not have to worry about money haha. Don't we all right 😂😚

[@shueysmissus]

I could have made this exact video. Youve described how I feel so much better than I could have. I've wasted the last 9 years of my life in chronic pain from severe endometriosis. I've finally had a hysterectomy and I'm out of pain, but instead of taking back my life I just feel I want to simplify it. I want to be in the garden and enjoy life without stress or drama. I want to take better care of myself and my family. Hubby and I have already talked about when the kids are older, taking off in a campervan and travelling Europe. And I've always hated camping! Maybe it is a midlife crisis, but hey, just got to roll with it. If it makes you happy then go for it xx

[@debbieglen2800]

Dear Laura I just want to say thank you, I came across your video way back in the day when I was on the verge of losing my home through debt and between you and dave Ramsey I dug myself out of a very big hole we're today am very aware of what I do with my money I love your videos so thank you xxxx

[@loveconnection1118]

I loved this Lara. The thing that's slowing me down at 40 is my health, however I think that it gives you a different perspective on life and you reset your priorities. Slowing down is a good thing sometimes.

[@rhian655]

I feel a little stuck or confused with my life & a massive part of that feeling is down to money! So helpful to hear this open honest conversation.

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

Thank you! I was so worried to share this but the response has been really lovely. Money causes so much anxiety x

[@rhian655]

My health as started taking a toll for a job that does not switch off. Time to make some decisions one way or another. But it’s comforting to see others also have doubts or concerns, especially who I considered to be ‘a proper adults’.

[@jacquieyeung5811]

I too have been addicted to the Michalak’s videos. I totally relate to you Lara… I have massively cut down alcohol lately for the same reasons and I am also craving a slower life! Great vlog as always. I LOVE your hair colour ❤❤

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

I've been loving them! Glad you can relate and I'm not making zero sense! I think I'm going to lean into the slow living & document it here for anyone else wanting to do the same 💛

[@alitristan1933]

Thanks for the coffee tip using the paper towel i bought some of that Aldi coffee yesterday and its lush!! used with my milk frother, it will cut down my Costa latte trips lol

[@janesmith3782]

100% resonating with me! Feel exactly the same. Thank you for sharing x

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

Thank you! x

[@kimegan2032]

Hi, Lara. I too love a glass of something but not the after effects. My favourite is Stella, and I’ve recently switched to the gluten free one. I honestly can’t tell the difference and thought it might help you. Thank you for another great vlog! xx

[@wiolakowal5111]

Instead of throwing away the coffee, you can make the body/face scrub out of it with a little bit of coconut oil and brown sugar 😊

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

Yes!! Thats's such a good frugal tip too! x

[@lisastoker391]

Great vlog as always, you talk so much sense and I think we can all resonant with what you have said. I love watching your vlogs and appreciate that you try to help people but look after yourself first and not everyone else . Epaderm is great if you have eczema or very dry skin, hope your son skin feels better soon ❤

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

Thanks so much! That's so kind of you, i was fretting over putting this out. I didn't know if it made sense but I am pleased if anyone can relate at all! Thank you x

[@shirleymclean5895]

We cannot underestimate the impact of the pandemic - HUGE effect on everyone. We were just expected to pickup where we all left off. Be kind to yourself, and do what you can when you can.Suddenly everything is productive and enjoyable to do, rather than a chore.Chill😎

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

This is such a key factor I think! Thank you for understanding. I am a go go go person and actually we need to rest and recover from that whirlwind! x

[@mandynuttall6627]

I would love to see a Margate vlog Lara! I love the beach there, that area is very special to me but I can't get down there at the moment - hopefully soon! Xx❤

[@jeanwalker3752]

Hi Lara, what a great video! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings about life.xxxx

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

Oh thanks so much! I was scared to share it. I will do a follow up video soon :) x

[@debbiejohnson3723]

Loved this video so much !! OG subscriber but don’t always comment but followed your journey for years and to getting your home. Your hair looks so nice a little lighter for summer❤

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

Ah, thanks Debbie! Thanks for commenting and pleased you enjoyed it xx

[@Binkysbubble]

Yeah I've been feeling a little that way too. Sometimes I think there is a bigger picture. I think this year I just feel a bit lost in the direction of which I want to go. And nothing that has really triggered this. Everything still is the same. I just feel like I want to get off this hamster wheel and do something amazing be someone amazing.

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

Yes! This is it! I’m having a real moment of discovery and I think having some space to feel that and move with it is important.

[@carolynhopkinson8642]

Remember you only live once and you don’t know when your life will end! Live now (sensibly) as planning too much ahead might not happen unfortunately.

[@emmalcm]

The way I look at the more expensive coffee is that it's still far cheaper than buying coffees out! So still a money saving alternative if it makes a difference to you. We have a hotel chocolat velvetiser and the chocolate for that is more expensive, but delicious compared to instant and again still far cheaper than a coffee shop when we want a little treat 😊 x

[@mandynuttall6627]

This is so true! I'm cutting down my coffee shop habit, not totally but going less so I can still enjoy my favourite tea & coffee at home x

[@emmalcm]

@@mandynuttall6627 yes exactly! We do the same and only occasionally buy coffee out x

[@sarahmc8309]

Yep I buy an organic coffee and it is €5/6 but last me the month and way better than drinking it out becauee not sure about U.K. but I Ireland we are in a recession and stuff keeps rising none stop and I decided not eat anything out even if was just once a month . Iv no cut eating out to birthday parties (my own , my son and my uncles ) and that’s it ! Mother’s Day and I’m down for the year !

[@Keden-zm2of]

Would love to hear more about what you mean by a simple life! I am feeling the exact same way. I am in a good position financially, and am starting to get very confused about my future. Part of me wants to work reduced hours so I have more time to spend gardening or upskilling in the home, but is that silly, I’m only 33 and no kids 😅

[@karlyhodge3435]

I feel exactly the same as you Lara in wanting a simple life. We definitely have a long way to go with our finances but since having our little boy 2 years ago I have become so much more aware of how much stuff we have to manage all the time we spend so much of our time sorting a cleaning and don't do anything else. I also want to do better for my body I struggled a lot postpartum and just feel that I need to take care of my body more and get a bit more balance especially if we decide to have another baby etc but I want to enjoy more of life instead of just doing housework all the time. I would be up for slow living content. xx

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

I feel lots of this myself and it's been great reading the comments of people's perspectives! Thank you for sharing. I think I will do a follow up video xx

[@karlyhodge3435]

Awh I also went into London on Sunday thankfully my line wasn’t affected by all the issues and wasn’t too busy. Hope your trip in was ok ❤

[@DibBaggy1]

Lara an amazing life affirming video 🥰 I decided to stop drinking in April of this year & I'm on week 3 of starting intermittent fasting, not only do I feel better in myself I'm saving ££ too 🥳Now the sunny weather has arrived I've been wanting to have a beer in the garden so I've been trying out different brands of alcohol free beer. You always ask if there are any videos you would like to make for us, well for me it would be great to see if you would be a guinea pig for taste testing alcohol free drinks for the summer 🌞Also you mentioned that you were doing intermittent fasting, it would be great to hear your take on it & if it's working for you x

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

Oh wow; that’s such a good idea to do a taste testing!! Thank you! And yes, will definitely do a fasting video, I absolutely love it! I hope you’re finding it ok too xx

[@DibBaggy1]

@@LaraJoannaJarvis I’m finding it a lot easier than I thought I would tbh x

[@michaeldixon8838]

Great video again thank you I’m struggling at the minute with the costs, I live alone and just can’t make ends meat, I lost my job in December so nothing but my rent has been paid since then but everything else is just mounting up, even food shopping is hit and miss :(

[@mandynuttall6627]

Hi Michael, I've been struggling too & found the Olio app to be an amazing help as you can pick up food others in your community have to spare and also other non food items. You can also give when you have spare items😊

[@michaeldixon8838]

@@mandynuttall6627 thank you

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

I'm sorry to hear you are struggling, Michael. Have you joined local support groups or the feed your family for £1 group on FB? Also Olio like Mandy has suggested below :) I heard about the payment coming out over the next 3 months for low income homes, so make sure you access that too if you need. Keep your head up, this wont last forever x

[@michaeldixon8838]

@@LaraJoannaJarvis thank you I will look them up I’m starting a new job just waiting on a police check to come! X

[@sunshine-bs2jx]

Hi Lara from my sick bed . So unwell for first time in few years so I've been lucky. My throat is in agony. 😢

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that!! Sending you well wishes x

[@sunshine-bs2jx]

@@LaraJoannaJarvis ahh thanks so much darling. I love your videos always.

[@Stephmadeitforyou]

Have you looked into EFT? @bradyates is brilliant and it really calms down the inside voices - I also thing it's a mum thing, you move from one room to the next trying to grab everything, tidy everything, plan dinner, cook dinner, washing blablabla maybe we try to do too much and all need a break!

[@lisahoskins503]

I'm 44, a wife, a mother of 2. I work 2 times a week because it fits in with life well. But I feel like I'm going around in circles. My dream is to go travelling with my husband one day xx 💕

[@debbieconstable7101]

Hi Lara... I love your KZbin videos. I've watched them for a while now. It is so nice to get inspiration from you. Thank you. Can I pleez ask what mascara you use? You always look so lovely. Have a great week. Keep smiling, honey. Xx 😊

[@carolscammell3592]

I turned 50 in March my one goal is eating more healthy and doing g more exercise and quality time for me x

[@lindaburrows4724]

Loved this chat with us all Lara I feel like that sometimes I work hard but I am a lot older than you, 20yr plus but now I’m bloody knackered and not in good health don’t drink or smoke but the body is suffering 😢 but I do what I can x

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

Sorry to hear that, Linda and thank you for sharing. Sending love x

[@phylissbrassey8431]

Your makeup looks marvelous today!

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

Oh why thanks so much! Xx

[@donnarichards3625]

Defo ditch the booze if you are feeling anxious or unsure. Your hair and skin look great. Hair is a lovely shade xxx

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

Thank you! Yes, you're right - it would definitely help mentally! x

[@daniellecomeau2996]

Kombucha has a fermented, slightly boozy taste to it and does have a bit of alcohol in it. It is a very healthy swap for an alcoholic beverage.

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

Oooh, I love Kombucha!! That's a good idea x

[@nicolafarnham2388]

My son had excema and I used to put a drop of oilatum in his bath, it really helped. I used fairy non bio detergent and he had grown out of it now (he’s 24) lol x

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

Thank you! I have been trying the Aveno cream and fingers crossed it's been helping! x

[@marykirby9503]

Re the coffee - can you use a cafetière and then no need for filters!

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

Yes, we use one for if there's both of us but when it's just me I use the towels although I am going to get a single use cafetière I think! x

[@demirobinson2384]

Hope George’s eczema clears up soon - with you mentioning respiratory issues in the past too, it sounds like it could be allergy related. May be worth trying anti histamines to see if there’s any improvement? x

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

Thank you! Yes, you are right and I have been using his air cleaning fan to try and help. I wanted to do antihistamines but worried about drowsiness at school? x

[@christinalucklee]

Had to do a further google...Most paper towels are made with two harsh chemicals: chlorine and formaldehyde xx stay safe

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

Oooh - ok, I need to stop then!! Thank you x

[@cheryllynnclark9240]

If you ever don’t want to use toxic weed killer, and you don’t want to grow any plants in the ground in that area, salt works better and lasts.

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

Oooh - I never knew that! Thank you :)

[@lisabates419]

This is so me at the min, I've even been googling experiential crisis 😂 x

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

Haha, lots of us feeling the same! xx

[@maxinehargreaves8371]

Hi lara, have you tried using aveno bubbles Bath and the aveno moisturisering cream? My grandaughter has eczema and she's the same with bubble baths. But since using the aveno products she's been fine. And wowzers I have lots of days were I think what the heck have I done with my life, and alcohol free wine, beers ect are amazing, I've been tee total for 10yrs now. Because I noticed when I got to my 40s I couldn't hack the slight hangovers in a morning. And too be honest lara it doesn't taste any different to the real stuff all the fun without getting tipsy and the hangovers. Hope that helped about the bath stuff for your little one. Xx

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

Thanks so much, Maxine! I really appreciate all of this. I am going to try out some zero alcohol stuff! And yes we use Aveeno now and it's been so good! Thank you x

[@sabahatnaheed1435]

Yes life is hard atm with cost of living being so high

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

It really is, for so many! x

[@brigidkeogh416]

❤

[@ashleybooth88]

Goats milk soap is amazing for your skin I swear by it for Eczema

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

Oooh - never heard of it, thank you! x

[@johannagallagher5855]

A Lara always enjoy your videos. X

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

Thank you for always being here, I appreciate you! X

[@christinalucklee]

Worried about you using the kitchen paper...isnt it Bleached during the process and full of chemicals? X

[@sunmadien]

Where are your earrings from? Love them

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

Thank you! I got them as a gift, they're from Astrid & Miyu x

[@sunshine-bs2jx]

❤❤❤

[@carolscammell3592]

Hi Lara I can relate to what you are saying I feel the same way and my husband always worrying about money and life ,and try to save money but some things always turn up out of the blue ,what a great video and yes I have children aged 23 and 25 so they have got there own life now what you are talking about I can relate to take care xx

[@Justme_elizabeth]

Fairy bio- sensitive is so good for skin ❤❤

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

Thank you! x

[@zenabraithwaite1934]

It sounds like you need a couple of days away solo ( have Stu mind the children) don't vlog, do some journaling and just relax. I think what you are feeling is normal for your stage in life and the time of year. X

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

Thanks Zena! I said to a friend this morning actually maybe it's to do with the time of year!! New season and feeling new beginnings!! A couple of days away sounds like bliss! I know I would spend it planning content and thrashing out ideas though! I can't seem to stop with that. I'm going to try my hardest to begin trying though x

[@sabahatnaheed1435]

I think you’ll save a lot of money by not drinking alcohol 😊

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

Oooh; that's true!! Hope you had a wonderful Eid x

[@sabahatnaheed1435]

@@LaraJoannaJarvis oh it was wonderful thank you for asking :) x

[@hannkg7715]

Are you heading toward 40 Lara? Because I think its quite common around this age to have the thoughts you are having (and more).

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

YES!! This year!! Is this a midlife crisis?!

[@hannkg7715]

@@LaraJoannaJarvis It wasn't for me but I did think (and worry) a lot more about things I didn't in my 30's. Such as my mortality, the future, ageing, esp with young kids.

[@jaynederbyshire5315]

Why don’t you get a single cup cafetière from a charity shop, cheaper still! Xxx❤

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

That's a really good idea - the washing up costs are probably more than the tissue 😂 I might have a look into that though, thanks! x

[@paulineclare5065]

I Loved going away on holiday always dreamed of our own holiday flat /apt I too wanted to experience living in a different country the best we did was moved from Warwickshire to Somerset, we have moved 5 times I am now approaching 75 were back in Warwickshire as the distance to my daughter was 5 hour drive only 3 to my son Thats why we did our last move to shorten the distance and although we could have stretched our selves and bought that flat /apt we spent the money on getting our kids a home of their own they and us are mortgage free BUT I hanker after that holiday home and now it will never be! Do what makes YOU happy I have no regrets in our decision it has made me happy our of spring our housed and not paying stupid rent prices Your young make the right decisions now as you cannot go backwards x❤

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

Wow, that's so lovely you were able to do that, what a gift! I agree, being far from family is the only draw back. We'd love to live by the coast. Somerset is lovely too! It's a short life, we have to enjoy it! Take care xx

[@joanna7749]

What are the seeds called?

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

Brown linseeds :)

[@stephng5682]

@ Hey

[@lizfield6486]

My grandson as got adhd it’s very complexed .

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

Oh sorry, don't get me wrong - I don't think I have ADHD, I just found it interesting that so many of the things I do people say are similar behaviours (but not all of course!) I just thought everyone's brain worked the same as mine (like 100 mph!)

[@lizfield6486]

@@LaraJoannaJarvis lol I know what you mean.

[@lisafrench9642]

I think it’s really sad that you cried and put your life on hold for your dream house, and now you aren’t happy still in your “dream” home

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

I am absolutely happy in my home!! I thank my lucky stars every day that we made it happen and I write my gratitude each day including our home. I actually didn’t say I’m not happy did I?! Just that I know there’s so much out there and I don’t want to miss it. I think I said there’s a way to do both even, didn’t I?!

[@pennygarwood9053]

Maybe soften your weetabix with hot water first Lara xx

[@whatwouldpicarddomakeitso9607]

Thank you for sharing . I use a little water on my weetabix first..just enough to damp them through then add the milk.😉🇬🇧👍🏻💛🤍

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

Oooh, great idea! I was doing water last but it makes much more sense to do it first! x

[@gemmawoodcock4653]

❤