Thoughts on......Self-sufficiency - how I live richly on a tiny budget.

[@dianaestes2700]

You are so inspiring Listening to you is like the sister I never had. I’m 65 and my mom who passed away a while ago was my best friend I have no other women in my life I can look up to. Now I do thank you Vivi

[@WhatVivididnext]

Gosh, Sue thank you.......and I'm sorry you don't have your mum with you anymore. X :-)

[@claudiaebert7842]

Hello Sue, I can understand you well. My mother died 11 years ago, shortly after her 90th birthday. I left home early, because my job took me to another area. I used to visit my parents many times over the weekend, but when my mother became denied the last years of her life, I would have liked to be with her more often. This was unfortunately not due to work. But I think you can keep all the beautiful memories of your own mother in your heart, remember situations that were encouraging and constructive, and see light on the horizon. I think we all made a lucky move with Vivi. You have to be careful when traveling on social platforms. But sometimes the spark just jumps over immediately. That's how I felt about Vivi. I think the strong community that emerged here on Vivi's channel can be a spiritual or moral support for everyone. I hope you are fine, even if I do not know you at all. best regards Claudia

[@claudiaebert7842]

Hello Vivi, I wish you so much that you can continue your current life for a very long time, with a small budget, and still be able to live happily. But I think you really have to want it one hundred percent and somehow be the right person for this kind of life. Also, when you are working, you can do a great deal to keep your expenses low. My colleagues and I recently figured out how much money comes together each month when you buy your breakfast, your coffee and your lunch at the bakery every day. Since it can be a short dizzy. I always take my food with me from home. It tastes good and can be prepared the day before. I often get so tired in the evening after work that I could fall asleep standing up. But then I have something ready in the fridge and look forward to it. Once one has decided to live one's life in this way, one manages to do it for a while, one can rightly be proud of it. What then at the same time can be the motivation for the next few months. P.S: I just love your "Thougts on ....". I always think I would talk to a good friend about life. Just beautiful !!!! Thanks for that, Vivi. Big hug Claudia

[@WhatVivididnext]

Cheers Claudia. Good on you for taking your home-made lunch to work.......it saves a fortune over time.......I'm always amazed more folk don't do it. Hugs back lovely. :-)

[@danielaselberg1810]

Lovely shirt! Some other lovely person designed the print, some other person produced the fabric etc. Not being completely self-sufficient is adding to our lives. I love your sights on life.

[@WhatVivididnext]

Thank you so much Daniela. 😊

[@Leigh_Leigh]

Vivi you're such a joy. So glad to see you're doing well. Simple life is truly the best life. ✌🏼️❤️& Happy Days

[@WhatVivididnext]

Awww, thank you Leigh.....hurray for simple, happy lives! :-)

[@Whistlewalk]

There is such a strong move these days to become self-sufficient, particularly in the northern hemisphere (including me) and that's a good thing and may well be a survival necessity going forward. But it does occur to me that the in the process we are not properly acknowledging the value and necessity of community in our lives that has always been part of self-sufficiency and often the core of our individual strength. I have lived long enough to remember that the people of my parents' generation, those from WWII and before, had to be self-sufficient. It was their way of life, at least for those not living in cities and larger towns...but even then... However, they seldom were very successful at self-sufficiency outside of community. North American pioneers were very aware of the need for community for their very survival and the survival of their families. Community allows for trade (you can't grow or make everything you need), it allows for social networking, and it gives you access to assistance and resources that you may not otherwise have but that you definitely need. And I think that just about everyone networks in their community or various communities for goods and help they can't provide for themselves. But we don't acknowledge those linkages in our modern version of self-sufficiency. You found the value of community this year when you had so many seed failures - your allotment community stepped into help with seeds and seedlings and I am certain that you reciprocate when needed and when you can. You weren't alone. Your friends trade your help for beer, and social networking. We need to understand that isolation is the death of self-sufficiency and speak to our need to acquire one or more communities in our lives that provide mutual help and support. I think we need to speak to this issue a lot more and start the process of understanding what community means in our lives and how we can support and grow the communities we participate in through the process of sharing and caring. People who are isolated are vulnerable and don't do well. "No man is an island." My thoughts on today's video.

[@WhatVivididnext]

Absolutely!!! I couldn't agree more. Being part of a community is massively important to me.....not just as a place to share/trade skills and services etc but for emotional/spiritual support. I could never live in isolation......I need people and the sense of belonging that comes with being strongly bonded with one's community. I thrive on it. :-)

[@StockingMyPantry]

I just discovered your channel and am really enjoying your videos. My husband and I recently moved cross country to care for my 89-year-old mom. We live with her in her mobile home, on a very small lot. But we're making the most of it. We just planted two blueberry bushes, a raspberry bush, and a small orange tree. It will probably be at least a couple of years before the orange tree produces any fruit. I can't wait! Have you considered using a food dehydrator? I find that especially in a small space, dehydrating is a great way to go since a large amount of food shrinks down and fits into a small space. It's a great way to preserve things, whether its food you grow or buy or get from someone else. The other day my husband and I were on a walk and saw a kumquat tree that was just loaded with fruit, with a lot of it falling to the ground. We decided to knock on the door and ask if the owner minded if we took some of the kumquats. The lady was so thrilled, because she can't eat all of them herself. She even got a bag for us to put the fruit in. I put some into a bowl for snacking, and then sliced up and dehydrated the rest. The dehydrated ones went into my pantry for future use.

[@WhatVivididnext]

Good on you for making that move to help your mum. It sounds like you're making lovely new friends with the neighbours already.....how lovely to get a share of her kumquats........such a happy moment. 😊

[@StockingMyPantry]

@@WhatVivididnext indeed! We live in a mobile home park that is for age 55+, and there are tons of citrus trees in people's yards, just loaded with fruit. Since most homes have just 1 or 2 people in them, they can't eat it all themselves. This is the first time we asked if we could take some, and something tells me others would be more than happy to share as well. Citrus season is almost over here, but I may try asking others earlier next season. This is especially true when I see a loaded tree with a lot of fruit that is just rotting on the ground. It's such a shame to see that when I can preserve it and then eat it year round. Hopefully I'll produce fruit of my own in the future and be able to share the abundance with others. :)

[@Willettee]

I am so thankful to have been given the gift of finding your channel. Each of us has value and experience to share with another. I remember as a child, my great aunt who was a farmer's wife. She adored him and his way of life. She used to be so grateful for food they would plant. Once she told me she was excited to see how many beautiful peppers she would find on one vine, and the next, and so on. I think about those little nuggets of encouragement she doled out with great regularity. She supplied milk and butter to my large family for a few cents per gallon. She was a mentor of sorts to my whole family. I hope she knew how much of an impression she left with me. I'll always remember how much she instructed me with spiritual gifts and her time. Blessings, dear Vivi. 🙂

[@WhatVivididnext]

What beautiful memories.....thank you so much for sharing. :-)

[@julietawny]

A lovely video, I hope that one day i can live a simple life. The majority of my wages goes on rent and bills but you are an inspiration to me. My friends Mum (Granny Jean) used to say to me that a rich person is not measured by the money they have in their pocket but by the friends and family that they hold dear. So so true x

[@WhatVivididnext]

Granny Jean was right!!!! I wish you lots of luck and love as you move towards a simpler life........you can do it!!! :-)

[@traceydonovan2662]

The guy in 'one yard revolution' uses coffee grounds as a free source of nitrogen. P'raps your committee could approach local cafe's to see if they'd be prepared to gift their waste to the allotment.

[@WhatVivididnext]

I'm going to ask at the train station where there is a coffee stand........we don't really have any coffee shops in our area.......but the one at the station may be do-able. :-)

[@lindawitherspoon446]

Hi Vivi. Just love listening to your thought process. Such an inspiration. So glad things are working out for you. Being in charge of your life is the best.

[@WhatVivididnext]

Thank you so much Linda. :-)

[@sunshynegray9370]

Your happiness and excitement for life self care and self reliance is so contagious..thanks for sharing your story and happiness with us.. Love from washington dc..usa..hugs

[@WhatVivididnext]

Oh thank you so much lovely. :-)

[@pacificnorthwestgardener3511]

Oh how little Poppy loves you Vivi! Wonderful chat! Happy harvesting😆

[@WhatVivididnext]

She's a little sweetie......so affectionate and cuddly.......and furry, wow, I came home covered in her fur! ;-)

[@Basia57]

I never thought about freecycling sites, Vivi. Have just checked my local one and , OMG, there is so much up for grabs that I need for my Lottie! Thank you sooo much! I too, do charity shops and pretty much furnish my shed from them! You're my hero!! xx

[@WhatVivididnext]

Yay!!!! Happy freecycling to you! Let us know what you manage to get for your lottie. :-)

[@rough-hewnhomestead4751]

Oh I love this!! It's exactly what I get from your channel--that you CAN bloom where you're planted. Our homestead is on a small area and we're providing quite a lot for ourselves, food-wise. It's so satisfying! I do believe that living a farming/homesteading type lifestyle (whatever parts of it one can incorporate in their space) makes us more likely to survive in a less than excellent situation like a natural disaster, etc. It just feels good to provide for oneself/family. I'd love to see more videos of this type from you because you ARE making it happen! Thanks for the great video!

[@WhatVivididnext]

Thank you lovely......I wish everyone had a bit of space to grow at least some of their food..... :-)

[@nickyrivernene5921]

I'm just like you Vivi, I enjoy getting by without needing to spend any money. 💚

[@WhatVivididnext]

So satisfying eh? :-)

[@annehughes9525]

I'm loving the ' Thoughts on.....' video's Vivi, it's like having a chat one on one lol. And your so spot on , you can't beat a charity shop, I love them. The good life hehehe, can hear the music now lol, how fab was that, hysterical :-). Just picked loads of tomatoes, and hoorah, my little tiddler of a cucumber is almost ready to pick, I'm so excited. Keep up the good work, also coming together garden wise. Take care 👍 x

[@WhatVivididnext]

Hoorah for the tomatoes coming thick and fast now.......and for your wee cucumber catching up! We're definitely getting into that busy kitchen time of the season......I love it! :-)

[@beverleysimmons7885]

ALWAYS A WONDERFUL TIME. Thank you for sharing you. It helps more than you will ever know. Have a lovely day.

[@WhatVivididnext]

Awwww.....thank you Beverley, glad to spend some time with you today. :-)

[@kendrasmith6637]

Vivi, 😊 I am so happy I found you today. I love watching you. I am retired and live on a budget and have to watch my spending too. But I am ok with that. Love your information and it’s helpful to me. Thank you so much. 😊 (I am also a list maker!) 👍

[@WhatVivididnext]

Yay, good on you lovely and hurrah for our gorgeous lists! 😊

[@kendrasmith6637]

@@WhatVivididnext 👍 Yes we do a lot of things alike. Love your KZbin talks. Thank you so so much, Vivi. 🤗

[@chrishoughton7101]

You are amazing Vivi, thank you so much!

[@WhatVivididnext]

Thank you Chris. :-)

[@vixxcottage]

At 1 time in my life I raised all of my own food, garden , meat ( I ate meat back then) made soap. Had my own milk ( goats) , eggs etc. Only spent $20/month at grocery store for bulk items. That was over 20 years ago. Age and bodies change. I was not prepared. I have not intensively gardened for several years. Last year did put in few totes for raised beds. In past have dehydrated a lot of veggies, canned ( bottled) vegetables. Had several freezers. This year I have decided to add raised totes. Unable to bend down. We can adapt and still grow our own vegetables. Your channel is very motivational and inspiring! Thanks!

[@WhatVivididnext]

How fantastic that you did all that, you're a lass after my own heart. And how fantastic that you're adapting and recognising what you can't do anymore but finding ways to do it differently...I LOVE this. Good on you! :-)

[@AK-gh6cp]

I commented on another video this evening... so I am not sure if you will notice when you read your comments and have a little laugh. I am a new subscriber from Canada, and I am binging on your videos. You are so delightful and inspiring! I am in my 40s and thinking ahead to my early 50s and hoping I can pull off an "early retirement", and your joyful videos make me feel like it is possible!

[@WhatVivididnext]

Thank you so much AK....I really appreciate this. 😊

[@andrewlee5237]

You're inspiring Vivi, and on top of this you live in one of the most expensive cities in the world. Far to many of us keep chasing a dream that we feel will enrich our lives and therefore spend years stuck in some kind of rat race that when we come to reflect on it we find that we still ultimately remain unfulfilled. 🤔🤔

[@WhatVivididnext]

Exactly! Thank you so much lovely. :-)

[@jksatte]

I have spent 5 years out of work. I wish I had this sensibility back then. Things would have been so much better for them then and now. Going forward I will surely start to do better. I have to start cooking. Janice

[@WhatVivididnext]

Oh yes Janice, have a play in the kitchen and you can really save yourself a heap of money......and you'll have the satisfaction too. :-)

[@wendyking2769]

We can't grow from Oct to April but making bread heats the house so it fills the void left by the lack of gardening and you get something tasty.

[@WhatVivididnext]

......and fill the house with that gorgeous smell! Yeah! :-)

[@isobellaf1226]

It’s a real kick finding these ways to reduce waste and save money, I’m sure your shared experiences will inspire many people! 75 percent of my clothing and bags are from London charity shops collected over time and this has been because I do like designer labels but never buy them new. (I like the fabrics and good workmanship, they last longer)Some charity shops do overcharge in areas like central London (Kensington, Mayfair and Hampstead )but a good rummage reveals treasures and it’s fun ✨

[@WhatVivididnext]

Ooooh, the rummage is part of the fun! I used to use the Oxfam shops on Gloucester Road (top end, near Kensington Palace) and the one on the Kings Road (Worlds End).....absolutely fantastic finds over the years........thinking about it makes me miss living up there. Bit expensive a neighbourhood for me these days though. ;-)

[@BenniLkitchengarden]

Great tomato harvest. I tried something new this year when bottle tomatoes. Instead of skinning the tomato in boild water, I cut them in half and put them in a pan in oven (with skin up) After a while you can lift off the skin. Easy.

[@WhatVivididnext]

Hmmm.......might give that a try......except I don't want to turn the oven on yet as it's still quite warm here......

[@josephonesta6416]

Won't the local coffee shop give you coffee grounds? That with a bit of cardboard or shredded paper should fill your compost bin and keep it full and you'll have lots for soil amendment over the winter.

[@WhatVivididnext]

We don't have a coffee shop here........there's one at the train station though.....maybe if I get up early enough one morning I could ask them. ;-)

[@kendrasmith6637]

So coffee grounds are good for my garden? 😊

[@desireeflaws568]

Truly living your best life my friend - enjoy! I can almost smell those tomatoes.

[@WhatVivididnext]

Thank you Desiree. Mmmmm, the toms smell gorgeous. :-)

[@slwilliams75]

Loved this video, Vivi. So positive and upbeat. Hugs

[@WhatVivididnext]

Aww, cheers lovely. :-)

[@zeenathabdulla1473]

I love watching you vivi. I think u r awesome. Very pleasant to watch and to listen to. Love from South Africa

[@WhatVivididnext]

Thank you so much Zeenath. :-)

[@livelaughloveeveryday4100]

We have $1.00 day at our local second hand store. I've gone in and purchased men's shirts, 100% cotton to make quilt tops. You might be able to use the material from a man's shirt to make your self a top. There is a lot of material to work with in a xx or xxx man's shirt. It is so nice to see you getting back to your upbeat self - it really works to look at the positive when things are getting us down. Those tomatoes - wow, they are beautiful!

[@WhatVivididnext]

Absolutely....when things are getting rough it's good to take a step back and look at all the positives......and there are so many. I'm truly grateful for the life I have. Oh, and one of my favourite charity shops has a permanent £1 rail......I always look there first. ;-)

[@dorothymcleod1]

Lots of good advice, you are an inspiration.....Thanks Vivi

[@WhatVivididnext]

Thank you Dorothy. :-)

[@AcornHillHomestead]

You are a breath of fresh air! 💕🐞🌸🐝

[@WhatVivididnext]

Thank you Janette. :-)

[@melissagannon5711]

Talking about clothes...I find I can get better quality second hand than I can afford new. The things people throw away amazes me.

[@WhatVivididnext]

Absolutely! :-)

[@kendrasmith6637]

Yes I agree

[@KarenBowers4]

I would love to see videos of your charity shop visits or maybe show us what you have bought on a day you find some treasures or clothes. I know I would be interested. Love the video today it helps those of us who make very little. We can learn from each other tips to live grand on a small budget.

[@WhatVivididnext]

Cheers Karen......it's all about learning together eh? Being part of a community and sharing ideas is so important to me. :-)

[@lisaschaeffer]

Here in the US, I go to thrift stores and garage sales, as we call them, to find clothes, books and other stuff, and have the backyard for gardens. But our winters in Michigan are too cold and snowy to grow things.

[@melissagannon5711]

You need a greenhouse. Gee I got mine for free. They were giving it away! Or Harbor Freight has one pretty cheap.

[@WhatVivididnext]

Brrrr........I love snow for a few days.......but would go bonkers at home if I couldn't garden all year round. I'm very grateful for our mild climate. :-)

[@kendrasmith6637]

Yes, I live in Indiana and our garden growing season is only from First of May to September. So it’s not a very long growing season. But I love growing tomatoes and green peppers and cucumbers during our summer. 🥗

[@sidoob1926]

Hi I watch all the ads in yours videos to help you to earn a little money, and also I watch all yours videos because you inspire me. I have a notebook and I wrote a lot of your advice. Thk

[@WhatVivididnext]

Aww, thank you. I'm so glad you find the videos useful. :-)

[@bonnieskitchengarden]

THANKS VIVI I AM SITTING HERE EATING TOMATO S AND LOVING THEM I PUT IN 6 HOURS OF WORK IN THE GARDEN TODAY SO NOW I SHALL ENJOY THE FRUITS OF MY LABOR AND WATCH SOME TV HAPPY GARDENING

[@lindawitherspoon446]

Bonnie Burdine hahahahaha

[@WhatVivididnext]

Good on you lovely - enjoy your feet up time! :-)

[@bluedazz]

Congrats on 6K subs. Your tomatoes are lovely.

[@WhatVivididnext]

Thank you - they're a combination of donated plants from fellow plot holders and my stragglers that I thought wouldn't come to anything - I'm so happy to have them all. :-)

[@emmagwilt6748]

Loved hearing your thoughts , have a great day vivi xx

[@WhatVivididnext]

Thank you Emma - you too! :-)

[@janearmstead4377]

Lovely video Vivi, your happiness is infectious 😊 I think that simplicity in life is the way to go, you become happier with the small achievements you make. Living well on less becomes a game we can play, and we are the winners! I am definitely going to get the board beans in this October thanks for the tip. I also put my onion sets in round about then too. Xx

[@WhatVivididnext]

Cheers Jane.......definitely the way to go. ;-) I've never tried onions in the autumn.....do you get an earlier harvest from them? :-)

[@janearmstead4377]

What Vivi did next hi Vivi, just checked my diary and I put the sets in the ground in September and harvest them around June depending on the weather!! The last two years I haven't had to buy any onions to eat. I messed up this year as I decided to grow onions from seed in the spring. They were doing really well untill all that hot weather, now they look like salad/spring onions Boohoo 😟

[@WhatVivididnext]

Oh what a shame about this years. :-(

[@logothaironsides2942]

I think you live very much like my grandparents did. It sounds like freedom to me. Who doesnt want that!

[@WhatVivididnext]

Exactly!!!! Hard work......but my work! 😊

[@lindab1458]

Well hello there Pollyanna ;-) (some will know what I mean, apologies if you don't) What a lovely video chat today Vivi, it came just as I'd been out in the garden harvesting dozens of tomatoes and wondering if I could be bothered to stand in the kitchen (terribly achey knees today) and prep them for storage. Well now of course I can, you've given me a new energy, for a little while at least. Plus you reminded me I have a bunch of things in the garage to put on freecycle, so must get those listed. Love and hugs hun, stay well, xx

[@WhatVivididnext]

Hahahaha, thank you for the Pollyanna reference! :-) Hope you managed to get all your tomatoes prepped.......I ended up having another midnight session with mine yesterday! :-)

[@lindab1458]

What Vivi did next Yes, though today I picked another bowlful. I will probably make chutney next week but have to do it when hubby is away at work overnight, as he whinges about the smell. Of course, he’s happy to eat the results 🙄

[@patstephenso7206]

Thanks Vivvi sound advise and well done your amazing and really helpful to keep us going enjoy your harvest xx

[@WhatVivididnext]

Thank you Pat. :-)

[@bevsartsandcrafts715]

Yes, currently blanching loads of cabbage and beans for the freezer. Keep well xx

[@WhatVivididnext]

It's the busy kitchen time! Have fun. :-)

[@dinetk3125]

I hope to have this simple live when I retire. Saving tons to be able to do that early. You inspire me!

[@WhatVivididnext]

Yay! Good on you. :-)

[@ShoestringJane]

I would love to see your meal plans and what you eat in a day at different points of the year - the sort of meals you create with all that lovely seasonal veg!

[@WhatVivididnext]

Thank you lovely.....if you check out the 'In the Kitchen' playlist you'll get a really good idea of what I do with my veggies.....it's all my regular/favourite recipes. 😊

[@ShoestringJane]

@@WhatVivididnext I literally just realised that! I’m a new subscriber so working my way through all your old stuff. Enjoying it!

[@WhatVivididnext]

@@ShoestringJane Oh thank you so much, I really appreciate that. 😊

[@50shadesofgreen]

awesome video Vivi !! thanks for sharing your story !!

[@WhatVivididnext]

Thank you! :-)

[@carolhendey141]

I love your programme. I would love to grow my own veggies. I live in SA in Johannesburg, and don’t have a garden to grow my own things. I envy you but with happiness 🦋🦋🦋

[@WhatVivididnext]

Aww, Carol, sorry you don't have any growing space.....I really am so grateful for my small patch....I count my blessings every day. 😊

[@TanteTuut]

I'm always happy that I can listen to your video's while prepping all my food for wintertime. Next year my vegetable garden will be about 400 square meters and I hoop we will be self reliant for our veggies and for 80% for our fruit. Oh yes, it's so enriching this simple lifestyle! Love from France, Trudy

[@WhatVivididnext]

Oh what a wonderful amount of space! I'd love some more space for fruit...... In the meantime happy harvesting and prepping it all for storing......hahahaha, now the hard work really begins (all these hours in the kitchen!).....and it's great! Have a fabulous day. :-)

[@Tabdawg]

I agree. I love growing tomatoes being in my garden and listening to nature.There are more than 10, ooo breeds of tomatoes.

[@WhatVivididnext]

They are such a joy togrow.....wow, 10, 000!

[@mudoh2131]

So uplifting Vivi - thank you.

[@WhatVivididnext]

Thank you lovely...I appreciate this!

[@angielogue2071]

What a blessed life! My husband & I are working on becoming debt free as well. It will be wonderful to not have that burden. I use all I can from my garden but still purchase products from the stores but not processed foods. I make all of our bread which of course is sourdough bread...yummy! You always make me feel it is possible to grow more and be resourceful. Thank you! I continue to wish you all the best each and every day.

[@WhatVivididnext]

Thank you so much Angie and I wish you well in your quest too..............and sourdough is my favourite! ;-)

[@1tuinman]

I look forward to your uploads daily.... Please show us how you bottle tomatoes !

[@WhatVivididnext]

Thank you! :-) I've often thought about doing a video on bottling the toms but haven't for fear of someone doing it wrong - the health consequences of getting it wrong can be dire and I would not want to be responsible for that. I would rather folk read and follow a recipe closely than listen to it in a video where they could easily miss something. I use the 'Ball' canning book for my bottling recipes - it's excellent.

[@1tuinman]

Thankyou for the reply! I'll look up the "Ball" book 👍

[@melodybarlow7815]

Thank you for another great video. I love the ideas of saving money. With two teens, it seems like my grocery bill goes up every trip! Here we call them 'thrift stores', but we love them too. Even my teen girls love the challenge of finding something that is a label that I would never spend full price for, usually for a fraction of the cost from a thrift/charity shop. Two of those same shops near here also send their proceeds to great causes, so its a win all the way around. Please keep doing what you are doing, it is a great encouragement. Melody in NC (USA).

[@WhatVivididnext]

Thank you so much Melody.......and happy 'thrifting' to you and your girls. ;-)

[@rebacarmack8335]

Do you can any of your veggies?Do you bake your bread? I could totally do Vegetarian and have but my husband is a big meat eater. That really can be a budget buster. You remind me how truly blessed we are and also that my gratitude should increase greatly. I love your videos!!

[@WhatVivididnext]

Thank you so much Reba. I freeze or dry a lot of my veggies.....some store without any intervention from me like onions and squash.... I don't bake my own bread as I don't consume much plus my oven is a bit temperamental.... 😉

[@PoppyChaz76]

I love the free groups on fb .I got my greenhouse couple months ago free :) .Thanku viv some good ideas on keeping the garden going.Hope u have a wonderful harvest ,Deb xx

[@WhatVivididnext]

Ooooh, free greenhouse - nice score!!!! Happy harvesting to us all. :-)

[@danaharris5446]

I love thrift stores. Never go out shopping and not stop at one. I don’t by what I don’t need, but a do get goft and treats sometimes. Adore you Vivi🌻

[@WhatVivididnext]

Awww, thank you so much Dana....it's amazing the lovely things we can find through these wonderful little shops. Good on you lovely! 😊

[@siancairns4673]

Vivi your videos bring me so much joy!! The work you put into creating them is invaluable. Have you ever considered setting up a Patreon account? Im sure theres many of us who would love to send you a wee something! Xxx

[@WhatVivididnext]

Thank you so much Sian. No, I don't have a Patreon account.......it's one of the reasons I'm making a shop on my website to sell bunting and homewares......I don't want to take money for nothing. ;-)

[@AcornHillHomestead]

What Vivi did next vivi you are providing VALUABLE content. You would not take money for nothing. 😉 you send a very valuable message and teach people all over that they can do this and not own larger homesteading type properties and don’t have to be very young to do what you do. There are many things you can offer... garden plans, how to deal with low water resources, incorporate your buntings, the list goes on.....

[@valeria1966311]

I do love your giddy-ness :D oh yes tomatoes are totally rulling the allotment now and it's such a joy to have that. So happy that we didn't have blight (yet) this year and am going to make some tomatosoup soon(ish) I can only agree, when you get home there is so much to do after "playing" in the garden... LOL Had to see if I could find books by John Seymour and found some so I think I'll order some and find out about him a bit more. Thank you so much for mentioning it. I love/adore the series "the good life" I think that has put the "seed" in my soul to get self sufficient or at least more of that. Today my DH got me a chest freezer!!!! Yay, I'm so so excited about that!!! because...well I just had no more room left to put the harvest from the veg.garden. Our beans did very well, still are. I am a thriftstore addict and am not ashamed to say so.. :D I've had many things from there to help me out when money was very very tight and I still will turn my nose to it if I think I need something. Why buy new if you can get it for a tiny bit of money? It also helps to reduce the spoil that's made with our throw away society IMHO. I so feel you with using and reusing botles. I bought some juices in glass bottles and reuse them for water to take with me when I go to our veg.garden. I'll just put in some tap water and some lemon juice and some ginger as well if I want to or just add some mint from the garden and I'm on my way ;) Feeling so blessed with the garden is such a joy and I can so feel you with saying so, we're the blessed ones who know what life is about, not about money and wealth and stuff but it's that moment in time when you only hear the music of nature and be with your own innerside/soul and that's enough. People who don't understand that are the poor ones. I always cook from scratch, love doing so and that's how I've been brought up. Take care of yourself, do what you can to not depend on others and fix things unless you can't. I can repair my own bike, change a tire if I need to of my car, I can fix a lot of things and am self reliant. Had to laugh at the cotton spinning thing. I'm that woman who will buy some fleece, card it and spin it and knit with it, LOL. I love knitting socks and such. Ok time to stop babbling, need to get my freezer filled so I can enjoy the sun from this summer into the winter ;) Take care dear Vivi and take joy but I can see you're doing that already xoxo

[@WhatVivididnext]

Thank you for your lovely comment Valeria. Yay to the new freezer (I think I need another one too!) - it will be so satisfying for you to get that filled up with all your lovely garden produce - good on you! :-)

[@angeleagalloway5847]

I really enjoyed that and it gives me ideas for my new garden - thank you for the simple joys you bring!

[@WhatVivididnext]

Aww, thank you so much. 😊

[@Hippiecat67]

When you go to the charity shops look for skirts or dresses with really big and full skirts. If the fabric is pretty you could use it to make bunting, and even blouses for yourself. This is a more frugal way to buy material for sewing. Some of those large gathered skirts can have many yards in them. :)

[@WhatVivididnext]

Absolutely! I always have my eyes peeled! :-)

[@lindapenney5207]

Thank you for such a lovely video because hubbys been out of work for over a month with a bad arm caused by a cannula infection blessings

[@WhatVivididnext]

Oh gosh, I hope it is healing now. Best wishes for a speedy recovery for him. :-)

[@anitavinesett3180]

Hi Vivi, Happy to see it's a chit chat on the plot and harvest day for you. I go to the thrift stores with my sister and there is all kinds of things to be found. I have to hold myself in check with old tins and jars/containers. Kitty love seems like today a little just wasn't enough.Made a version of your squash soup but used sweet potato's and found myself just adding a little bit of everything and it turned out great. Will be taking me a bowl with some crusty bread to work for lunch today. We don't have free cycle here or anything like it that i know of but might have to check it out do some investigating. Hope you do some cooking video's soon love ideas on mixing this veg with that veg and seasoning. Thanks for sharing Vivi...til next time much love from across the pond.

[@WhatVivididnext]

I love those kinds of sups......hmm, a bit of this, a bit of that......oooh, tasty.....enjoy! Yes Poppy the cat was most definitely not satisfied with just a quick scratch behind the ears.......I went home covered in her fur! ;-)

[@bfrommars]

I totally get where you are coming from, I dehydrate, can and freeze. Lots of things get hidden in meals for the hubby and kids and i can give powdered celery away as gifts. it is hard work processing it all but worth it :)

[@WhatVivididnext]

Oh so worth it.......especially in the winter when there's a wonderful stash to chose from. :-)

[@susanwood8086]

i love shopping in Charity shops. most of my clothes come from there together with other things. the astronomical prices in shops are crazy x

[@WhatVivididnext]

Exactly!.......and whatever we find in charity shops becomes a bit of a one off! ;-)

[@rv-hs2dm]

Thoughts on baking bread from scratch: I was intimidated and never attempted to try homemade bread for years. Then I read a book titled, "Artisan Bread in Five minutes a Day". I tried the recipes and was amazed at how uncomplicated and quick it made the process. Just sharing this since baking one's own bread is quite less expensive than store bought.

[@WhatVivididnext]

Oooh, thank you Roxanne - I'm sure this will be of interest to lots of folk on here besides me, cheers! :-)

[@rv-hs2dm]

Thank YOU, Vivi. You have been a wonderful inspiration to me!

[@claudiaebert7842]

For years I bake my own bread and mash my grain in my big flour mill. She has a strong engine and was very expensive. But I have her for many years. The nice thing is that you can vary the ingredients, and the bread tastes sooooo good. I split it into portions and freeze them. Thawed, it tastes like fresh. best regards Claudia

[@papermason]

I do sew for myself and yes it is expensive, but I get what I want, it fits well and I can make it with better quality than I can buy in the store. I'll wear it for much longer, such as my pants that I made 4 years ago, they haven't worn out yet, And I look for sales, etc. I'm definitely not self-sufficient, but I am spending much less and am much more frugal -- no debt!

[@WhatVivididnext]

Hurrah for no debt! Good on you! :-)

[@grumpy_poo]

I think living frugally teaches you the difference between 'cost' and value.... when income is hard earned... every penny spent has to be considered and spent where there is a 'need' rather than a 'want'... and when that 'need' can be met with something that is re-purposed, given,or bought second hand... this all still has a 'value'.... I ask my friends/family not to waste their money on stuff for birthdays etc that is frivolous but if I need something they will get me that instead.... My son bought me a cordless lawnmower for my birthday/Christmas/mother's day/ etc for the last 18 months as that's what I needed . ( I was struggling with the joints etc)... When I make stuff or do stuff, or pass on stuff from the garden for people my time has a 'value' as my time is finite and will never be replaced... but I know I can call in favours when I 'need' to.... My one difficulty is... I still have a problem asking for help... I have been so independent for over 20 years... but now ageing and health issues mean I do struggle on certain days.... but I won't give in... Your knees know all about that one !!!

[@WhatVivididnext]

Hear, hear....I totally agree......and, ach yes, the asking for help bit....hmm, I struggle with that too but I'm learning! The things in life that I place most value on have nothing to do with money. You're a lass after my own heart or vice versa. ;-)

[@DigwellGreenfingers]

Great vid and advice Vivi. Needs must and live to your means. Steve

[@WhatVivididnext]

Absolutely! Cheers Steve. :-)

[@TheRenexxxxxx]

You are so funny, I made zucchini soup and corn bread for today! Yum! It was so good I forgot to put cheese one it! I tend to take things to the charity shops more than I buy from them but they are so dirty that it just grosses me out. I leave feeling like I need a decontamination chamber. And eating out...OMG I ordered a mediocre steak sandwich and a small salad and it was over 20.00 dollars. Hugs to you my friend have a great day!

[@WhatVivididnext]

Hahaha - perhaps charity shops here are different......I've never got the dirty feeling! Hahaha. Wow, expensive sandwich!!!!! Have a fabulous day yourself! :-)

[@eveny119]

Have you seen the videos on knitting with cat hair? lol here Rusty Rusty.... My tip on saving money, I trade w/ my friends. Just got a big basket of potatoes , 2 zucchini and free range eggs. I gave him pumpkin and squash seedlings this spring, last year I started tomatoes for him, got buckets of horse manure. This week I paid for the pizza and drinks. I also pay for gas and he takes my trash (we have to pay $3 a bag, he has bulk pickup.)

[@WhatVivididnext]

My mum knits and was once asked to make a jumper for her friend from that friend's dog's hair.......it was amazingly soft! Trading with friends is a pure delight.....I love doing it. :-)

[@ritarichardson3881]

Nice video. Thank you.

[@WhatVivididnext]

Thank you. :-)

[@michellelockett6518]

Nearly all my wardrobe is secondhand.. charity shops are great 👍.. give to a good cause and much more sustainable

[@WhatVivididnext]

Exactly!......and the chances are what ever you pick up/wear will be rather more unique than what everyone else is wearing. ;-)

[@katherineb6102]

I love thrift shops and always look for wild Hawaiian shirts. I have found silk shirts with tags still on for $3. And nothing is better than a well broken in flannel shirt.

[@WhatVivididnext]

I love the rummage!........and I love that I get a bargain and the charity makes some money. Win/win! :-)

[@tr5598]

Oooh Vivi .. freewheeling?😲 Planning is a thing for me too, but I have yet to achieve all plans since I got the plot. NEXT YEAR DEFO!✊

[@WhatVivididnext]

Hahahaha, next year! Yep, I hear you.......I'm always thinking about next year too. ;-)

[@carolinegray3150]

I like going into charity shops to look at the bric brac ,nice watching and listening

[@WhatVivididnext]

Oooh, me too! ;-)

[@violetsands]

As a trained nurse you always have the option to do agency or bank nursing now and again to top up the finances which must be a great relief as a potential fall back position. I have been out of formal work for almost 11 years now but i am able to earn a bit here and there as an illustrator/artist. I only have a small garden and i use 3 square meters to grow some veggies (usually things that are not easily found in supermarkets) and a few large pots for beans and squashes. I have found that the freedom of not working to an employers schedule empowering and when i buy things , i do so with lots of consideration and my possessions are treasured and loved all the more for it. However i am aware that in 17 years i will have to pay off my mortgage or sell up but i have some ideas of what i will do if that happens.

[@WhatVivididnext]

Alas I won't be able to go back to nursing (without jumping through a lot of hoops) as my 'pin' expired - too expensive to keep it up..........but there's all sorts of other work I could do if needed. Great to hear you can earn through your art. :-)

[@paulsavident]

Yet another excellent video Vivi. I think so many terms are both mis-appropriated and/or misused these days, which I find frustrating. Productivity - for me successional sowing is something I need to get a grip on, and this year salad leaves have been a real challenge for germination. I think lettuce and many salad leaves have hated the heat. I'm just about to sow Winter Density, so fingers crossed. This morning I took advantage of the rain to get in my final module multi-sown beetroot and also perpetual spinach. I was drenched like a drowned rat when I got home; but the beetroot and spinach were in!

[@WhatVivididnext]

Good on you for getting out there in the rain and getting the next lot of plants in. I'm hoping to get some more spinach in tomorrow......yes, successional sowing and planning is the key to good productivity and all year round eating. :-)

[@joaofernandes5295]

hi Vivi, just came across your channel. love your attitude in life. I do ambition a simple and fulfilling life as you have. looking forward to seeing more of your videos.

[@WhatVivididnext]

Thank you so much Joao and a very warm, happy welcome to you here. :-)

[@redgingerbreadpam]

Love your videos So much. I also try to buy everything possible at thrift stores, garage sales,etc. No one in this area participates in freecycle unfortunately.

[@WhatVivididnext]

Thank you lovely. Perhaps you could start something for your area.......it could be as simple as posting notes at your community centre or library or church for instance..... :-)

[@redgingerbreadpam]

What Vivi did next thanks for great idea 💖

[@suginami123]

Charity shops in the uk are superb. Love them.

[@WhatVivididnext]

Totally! :-)

[@billsbasementworkshop1902]

Wow Vivi. I may be wrong but has it been twelve months? Doesn't seem that long. Well done girl, more power to you. We have just eaten the last of the carrots that I grew last year and stored in damp compost in my celler/workshop. They were still as fresh and tasty as when I first harvested them. This season as well as carrots and garlic and fench beans, ( all the useual stuff ) I have grown enough potatoes to sink the Titanic. I would be interested in how you store your Potatoes over the Winter months as I have no Idea about this. Please do a short video on this as I'm sure more people would be interested. Regards, Bill.

[@WhatVivididnext]

Cheers Bill.....and well done on such a good spud harvest in this oh so dry year! I store mine in paper sacks that I make myself from newspapers.......but I don't grow nearly as many as you. Wow, we'll all be coming to you for our chips in the winter! :-)

[@sheilabutterworth1418]

Is rusty there vivi ,miss you all the team , but love your video,s. Lots of you have gone must feel strange ,loved all the fun and things you all did ,,,like. Run to the sheds. Run to the sheds with Sean , when they fixed your old shed to fall down when you open door ,ha ha ha ect ect good luck vivi. Plz love rusty he is very fond of you all and Defo Sean xx xxxxxxx 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@WhatVivididnext]

Awww, bless you.....Rusty is fine.....he gets cuddles and food from lots of folk on our site so is never short of love. :-)

[@claudiaebert7842]

Hello Vivi, ..... yes, how does tomato juice get so high on the walls of the kitchen? One really has to get to the bottom of this question. But how come your mum does not know your videos? But with recipes and good ideas you can definitely help her. I'm just thinking about what to plant next year in my mini-garden. It must be things that the storm can not completely destroy. But I still have plenty of time to think until next spring. Today I will defrost my chest freezer, because soon starts the cooking of my beloved pumpkin soup. I am looking forward to that. I hope that will pay off the many work you have invested in your shop so far. Greetings and a big hug Claudia

[@WhatVivididnext]

My mum is even less techno than me......I'll show her how though. Have fun in the kitchen lovely. ;-)

[@joycegonzales4994]

I love thrift stores. I’m not a big rice eater, but we garden as much as possible.

[@WhatVivididnext]

Yay, good on you lovely. 😊

[@patricianunez4025]

I don't want the chlorine, floride etc from city water so I refill my gallon jugs for 39 cents each with reverse osmosis water at local grocery stores. I'm so glad you drink a lot of water during your videos. Reminds me to drink too. I so admire your self sufficient life style. How do you pay the rent and utilities? Love ya, from southern Indiana, USA

[@WhatVivididnext]

Hahaha - I do enjoy my water.....there's always a bottle within reach. ;-) I don't have rent......I paid my mortgage off early which is one of the reasons I am able to live this way. The bills get paid fro from the proceeds of sewing, my shop and a little from KZbin. :-)

[@marywilliams2129]

Have you ever considered selling your flat and moving somewhere like Herefordshire or Devon or Wales and buying a house with a garden attache, where property is cheaper.Running workshops to teach people how to do what you've done. Growing, cooking veggie food, sewing , making . Also you could write an ebook.

[@WhatVivididnext]

I've considered it often (especially as my knees struggle with all the stairs!).......and I will at some point......but for now I love my community and all my friends are here..... :-)

[@marywilliams2129]

I agree with keeping close to your community, it's not easy to jump ship.

[@djf8619]

One thing I hate to do is cook. I do the same as you. Soups are the best. They do for several days, or you can bottle them and pop them in the fridge. Cooking two days a week, you can make things for most meals of the week.

[@WhatVivididnext]

Absolutely - that's my style! ;-)

[@journeyofamamabear3721]

Because you care for your soil so much, I bet your fruit/veg is much more delicious, nutritious and less riddled with pesticides than what we can get in the supermarkets 🙂

[@WhatVivididnext]

You bet!!! :-)

[@PrettyAliceNight]

Great video and tips.

[@WhatVivididnext]

Thank you lovely. :-)

[@stevendowden2579]

very interesting

[@WhatVivididnext]

Cheers chuck. :-)

[@sandrapreston7016]

i agree that fabric prices have soored,,i watch the sales,,xx

[@WhatVivididnext]

Craxy these days if you want to make clothes! :-)

[@ElsieJoy39]

I get mine from Poundland Fabrics online. They do good fabric from £1 a metre,

[@veganc5028]

I'm really enjoying your videos. I may have missed it somewhere but I'm just wondering why and when you gave up working in a "Job" or for someone else?

[@WhatVivididnext]

Ahh, yes, it was a little over four years ago....I was working as a paediatric nurse on an intensive ward (Bone Marrow Transplant)....but my knees simply wouldn't keep going for 13 hours a day.....I miss it terribly.

[@evpalfy2464]

Love it

[@WhatVivididnext]

Yay! :-)

[@janebarbour405]

Very interesting. 👍

[@WhatVivididnext]

Cheers. :-)

[@joycegonzales4994]

I can tomatoes, but I also dry them to through into soups etc.

[@WhatVivididnext]

Yum! I love having my taste of summer toms available right through the winter. 😊

[@familywebster9386]

Always so inspired after watching your videos - you have helped me so much with working my allotment! I have been doing a mammoth catch-up on your older posts and have got as far back as March 2017 but cannot access any previous to that. It feels as though you were doing videos before embarking on living without a wage - would that have been under a different heading? Is it possible to access them too?

[@WhatVivididnext]

I started my videos in March 2017 just before I left my job......but I did appear in some before that on Sean's Horticultural channel. :-)

[@FinehomesofNewHampshire]

New sub. Your amazing!! 😊

[@WhatVivididnext]

Thank you......and welcome! :-)

[@claudiaebert7842]

There we are all of your opinion. Look at Vivi's other videos. They are just wonderful. best regards Claudia

[@jennzecollectables]

Hey Vivi have you ever thought of doing a charity shop haul video? I love watching people's haul videos finding gems in thrift stores/ charity shops :)

[@WhatVivididnext]

Hahaha - pretty much everything you see me wearing is from a charity shop. :-)

[@jennzecollectables]

@@WhatVivididnext i bet the charity shops down in London are ace! I'm North Wales and the ones here in my opinion aren't that great ha ha but i still enjoy checking them out :D