"You Can't Say THAT!!!" Q&A (plus new camper update)

[@angelasnodgrass6621]

Other people don’t get to decide what minimalism is for your family. For me it’s letting go of things I don’t use. Keeping everything I want to use. That sums it up for me. Thank you for all your videos. Keep up the great work.

[@CherylAnderson0]

I was starting to write my comment then saw yours and it said EXACTLY what I was thinking!!!!

[@starbrightblue4936]

YES. Exactly!!

[@unboundbytiffany]

Yess! Love it. It's not called "having absolutely nothing-ism". It's minimal-ism. Which means the minimum amount for every individuals needs and happiness

[@psylettagilroy]

I TOTALLY agree with this!

[@kimhouchins8653]

Totally agree!!

[@patriciacooke886]

My husband and I started following Dave Ramsey in 2010. Sold our home 2013 paid off our only credit card, bought our next house got conservative with our money. Sold that home 5 years later, with profit bought our next home for cash, what a stress relief to be retired debit free.

[@ellie448]

Wow amazing!

[@nancymillet8210]

The whole point of minimalism is getting rid of the excess so there’s more room for what really matters. Time with your family is what matters to you. Good for you! Enjoy your campers!

[@TS-bd2vr]

No on the pumpkin latte; hell no on state fairs. 🥰 Love you two!

[@FrogeniusW.G.]

Cute, the truck is nearly as long as the camper!! 😅😅 I think, the additional camper _does fit_ minimalism! Bc. minimalism is not "having few/less", but "only have, what you love or suits a purpose"!.. And _taking family & friends with you_ is *the best purpose* for anything you can have!! ♡♡♡

[@maryanderson5652]

No flavors in my coffee - a little sugar and half & half. State Fairs are nice for a one time experience. Going to local small city festival is better. No entry fee, can leave when you want, make a loop, buy my kettle corn and back home in no time. 😊😊😊

[@gaylevoelker5179]

DAWN I LOVE your strong opinions in what you want to do! And you are so kind and thoughtful in the way you express it and move on, even when Tom is disagreeing, such as painting the camper walls white, you do you in what’s important to you, and you are so cute in how you move the conversation on rather than engage in arguing the point! You two balance each other out beautifully! I love your family!!

[@kimberlyarnold3173]

The Take Your House Back course is such an amazing value and Tom is hilarious. I love it when he reacts and just says what he thinks. We all know Tom's words are his own and we know he's coming from a unique pov, and I love it.

[@gordiennedavis2264]

Dawn, not only do you have common sense you also have minimalist sense better than most of us.

[@jenniferphillips6566]

I hate when people judge what minimalism is. Being a minimalist in the areas that overwhelm you allows you the freedom to spend the energy on what you enjoy. Live it up. The two of you work hard and deserve to enjoy your.libes!

[@joannclement3777]

We're a 2 camper family too. We have a 19 foot single axle camper that we call our "touring" camper. It lets us go to so many more places than our 36 foot camper would let us go. It was great in Yellowstone and so much easier to travel with. Our 36 ft fifth wheel is used when we camphost for several months at a time in our state parks. We're retired so we have the luxury of camping a lot. It makes sense for us. Enjoy your camping experience. And thanks for helping me declutter. I'm 70 years old. My kids don't want my stuff and I don't want to take care of it anymore. Thanks for helping me. I'll keep watching.

[@randommam58]

I almost died with Tom and the dead dog comment 😂. That is totally something my husband would say while filming something live in front of the judgmental world 😂

[@helenebennie3961]

It took me a moment to realise he was just being Tom and joking. Lol.

[@nickguglielmo6905]

😆

[@breef.7880]

Lol literally was laughing out loud.

[@ramonalofgren5552]

Cracked me up too!

[@JustWatchMeDoThis]

instead of a dinette, you can use TV trays even they are needed. That way they can be used outside too, or stay tucked away.

[@Pamela-gm5sx]

I appreciate so much both your personalities! I'm a widow and miss the banter. We loved camping too.

[@ps0195]

We didn’t do much as a family in the 70s because we were super poor but we got to play outside and do whatever we wanted till dark as kids.

[@vjc4502]

Me too, never knew we were struggling. As long as I could play outside I was rich!

[@jeanmcintyre4662]

****you can freeze the pumpkin that is left over. Then when you make pancakes add cinnamon to taste, an added TBSP of sugar and 1/3 c pumpkin. It makes awesome 🥞 🙂

[@caramiasommers8076]

Yes! Freeze!

[@grandmasewhappyhomestead187]

Also pumpkin soup is actually amazing. We love it

[@alexa5927]

Many of my neighbors give me their uncut pumpkins after Halloween and thanksgiving, and I also hit the pumpkin patch amusement place after they shut down for the pumpkins they’re throwing away. I cook them in my instant pot and freeze it. I make my dog’s food and add pumpkin, make pumpkin soup, and bread for my neighbors since they were kind enough to give me the goods 😁

[@Karen-vs2fo]

Jean, that's what we do, too. Or just freeze until the next time we do the same recipe.

[@mcevjael]

We homeschooled 4 kids and my husband and I made a deal about the state fair. Every year, he would take them to the fair and I would stay home and get all the planning for school done. He loved to go and I hated to go so it was a great deal!

[@donnajrobb]

About getting kids to try something. My Mom always made me try a mixing spoonful of everything. If I didn’t like it, I never had to try it again. My late husband wasn’t picky at all. I asked him what his parents did differently? He said when he or his siblings said something negatively about something that was served; his Mom would say, “Well this isn’t for you! It’s just for your Dad and I. It’s just grown up food. You can’t have any.” So of course they wanted to try it. I am still fairly picky but my husband would eat anything. So his Mom won.

[@rkeller8141]

I was around 8 years old in 1953. The whole family, 5 of us together went to the State Fair. I wanted to ride Crack the Whip ride. I was small, and went by myself and fought the entire time to stay within the ride. Had to strain and push against being pitched between the wide bars of the ride, that I could easily slip through. When I returned told my parents that I was almost thrown from the ride, but no one believed me. That moment still stands out, as if yesterday, and to this day cannot ride any wild ride at a State Fair.

[@jennie9]

A friend and I went on the Zipper when I was a teenager and she was still a child. They shouldn't have let her on because she had to hang on really hard to avoid slipping under the bar. She wouldn't have fallen to the ground because there's a caged front but she would have been tossed around the space as we spun upside down. Luckily, she managed to hang on but it was truly scary.

[@hollykornegay3556]

I dont care for big crowds, and am a coffee purist, so i will pass on the fairs and pumpkin lattes. ;-) i agree with Dawn, a fresh coat of paint is worth every minute of effort. Have fun with that!

[@bethanydawnbarron4548]

The marital disagreement about the paint was literally so real I honestly appreciate that lol 😂 it’s too easy to feel like everyone else is always 100% happy living their lives with their husbands and they never disagree. But that’s just not the case. You guys are great🥰

[@imaamericangirl1406]

For me it was a bit uncomfortable to watch/hear. I love you Dawn and didn’t like Tom saying that too and about you. Hugs. 🌺💕🌻

[@kristacumberland2450]

I looked at this identical layout camper for a family of 4. However, your Dave Ramsey videos have made me step back and critically evaluate.

[@unboundbytiffany]

Yeah, it's tough, it's like having debt still makes any purchase no matter how good the deal sometimes not feel as great as it could or should if you were already out of debt. But I try to remind myself there's always more awesome deals, and there's always more money, and more ways to save money and pay off our debts. Personally just trying to balance both debt repayment and upping our savings while still being able to get myself and my family members a few things we really truly want, need, use etc. But you're soo right. Just the little bit of research into the Dave Ramsey system and heck even minimalism and being debt free in general, makes me take that step back and think hard on almost every purchase/expense etc. (Sometimes too much time... lol! Where I'm like, omg I wasted how long searching for the better price or going back and forth on an item etc. When I could have used my time doing absolutely anything else. But oh well hahaha 😆, as long as it serves us well in the big picture it's all good. Lol!)

[@jessandrew]

You two were on a roll 😂. Thank you for being real with us. 😉 I love all your adventures and your constant refocus on what's important!

[@cheryllane9949]

You certainly don't have to explain or justify what you do to anyone!! You do you!

[@mariannemay4760]

My family literally goes through the carnival rides like we're at a museum...looking but not at all daring to go on any of them. Kids all grew up to be engineers. Literally saw too many iffy construction of those carnival rides even before they learned how centripetal forces work.

[@ritadyer3770]

I don’t like my kids on the rides. They don’t understand. It’s because I love them.

[@lindahansen9395]

After watching your “set down chat” videos I feel refreshed like I just had a delightful conversation with good friends. And I love the humor and the way you two interact. Thanks. Such a kind thing you are doing by purchasing the additional trailer for family to use too. God bless you and your family.

[@anumuthusamy8065]

Hi Dawn, love your channel, your optimism is so infectious. ☺️ Just wanted to say all your kids are so cute, and your oldest daughter is your mini-me. I have three with one just starting college, and did not have a minimal house when they were younger, but working on it now! It’s really nice to see the life you created for your kids.

[@andreafield2777]

We absolutely LOVE the MN State Fair!! We go opening day every year. Yes, it’s expensive. We don’t do a lot of summer vacations, so we rationalize that it’s ok!! We love the people watching and all it has to offer. There is a lot of free entertainment, as well! So, we are those people!

[@queenofputrescence5167]

Total fair person and if I can only eat one thing at the Minnesota State Fair it is the Turkey to Go sandwich!

[@shellylockhart1506]

I love you and Tom together! Too funny …and an amazing couple !

[@tannif7455]

I've never liked clutter and a messy home but in life things seem to creep in. Since watching your videos and a few others and doing the Take Your House Back course I've really become intentional with what I really use, need and appreciate and have let go of so much. I find I have been learning a lot more now what I really prioritise in life which is a cosy decluttered home, healthy food, exercise, time with family and friends and best of all we've nearly paid off our mortgage as that is our main priority now.

[@ritadyer3770]

Before I found Dawn, I realized all the storage I had bought so I could get organized and uncluttered, was clutter! I would 4 huge storage cabinets! Working on cleaning out and getting rid of another cabinet. Just realizing the answer to get rid of stuff and not buying more storage has been liberating. My 9 year old daughter even sold a bunch of her stuff! Now to get my 11 yr old son and husband on board!

[@PhilbrookHandcrafted]

You will never regret the time spent with family and the memories that you make. I would take experiences over stuff every time.

[@lionsnotsheep8144]

No pumpkin latte and no big crowds for me,it makes my head spin and gives me severe anxiety,great video.God bless you and your family

[@fwebster6226]

Like you guys, I grew up in the 70’s and I consider that we had the most carefree childhood - sure, we didn’t do many family outings but we grew up with very few worries and the only rule was that we had to be home before dark. I have told my children how we used to leave home in the weekends after chores and just ride our bikes all over without any problems and we loved it. We also had a key to the local school swimming pool which was amazing! In short, no amount of money could buy the amazing things we experienced growing up in that time and I’m sure you guys feel the same. Good on you both for wanting a more simple life with your family - and the smaller camper van is a great idea for the short trips.

[@dianahegseth6279]

You Guys do You!!! Who cares what others are saying. Good for you sharing with your family and friends! You two are awesome love your Videos!

[@murielbaith5445]

I have gone to the state fair for events. If the Budweiser Clydesdales are there, I might go. I've gone for concerts at the grandstand. My mother became a 4H advisor and started a club when we kids were old enough to join.

[@PlainANDplaid]

Always look forward to the holiday q&a’s… you two are a pleasure and it feels like we’re hanging out

[@fionnualaoconnor1147]

Dawn, you have great patience ………. You show a broad understanding of so many issues.

[@gegeschannel8836]

We grew up camping. We loved the ability to stay outdoors in state parks,etc.

[@tiffanikeyes4269]

Totally agree with what you’re saying about the smaller camper. It took us 20 minutes to pack up yesterday morning to come home from our trip. Love having a smaller camper!

[@meg11914]

Everyone's entitled to live their life how they want, if through the living of your life you've found that having a smaller camper would works better for your family sometimes and you'll use it often, go for it and that doesn't mean you're not minimalist. As you said Dawn it's living with intention, which you do so well 😊

[@janamarek]

We lived in Minnesota for 17 years and we never went to the state fair. The cost was just insane and we never felt like we would get our money’s worth.

[@pamsvitality]

Well, Dawn, I think you would be proud of me. I found a "new with tags" blazer/suit jacket at a thrift store. It fits perfectly...AND I bagged up 5 blazers to donate! One in and 5 out!

[@lisab2134]

Had to comment on State Fair (Wisconsin)…me and my daughter (now 27) go every year together. I live in Florida now & she’s in Philly, but we come “home” to do this and visit family. Anyway-It’s our mother/daughter day! We start with a beer & brat, see the animals, ride the giant Ferris wheel, go down the giant slide, get our root beer milk. I love this tradition we share together!

[@emmatowers2819]

My kids love their Christmas stockings. They always include a satsuma, chocolate coins and a toothbrush (although toothbrushes they aren’t quite as exciting now they are older). Other good things are things you know they’ll use, like bath bombs, stationery/ sewing supplies, small items to add to sets they already have, books. I have relatives who send cards with money/ vouchers so I usually put those in, too.

[@Pamiamm]

4H is awesome we spent 15 years in it. I think all kids should learn to grow their own food!! And the fairs are totally fun :) It’s not simple - but do your own chapter!

[@mikkibates7854]

We used to go to the State Fair every year. We never did rides. We went during the week for our 4H exhibits - and the "Made in Oklahoma" barn. My husband liked to see what candidates were trying to get known. OCCASIONALLY we'd go to some fun music show. Food- Gumbo- from a local shop, the pork sandwiches- from the fundraisers. I liked getting ideas for Christmas gifts. The tweezerman/scissors/nail clipper guy. I studied marketing, so I enjoy seeing how people sell stuff! ***BIGGEST REASON**** My kids and their friends loved building huge architectural wonders with the wooden Keva tiles. At home we had Lego and Magformers. We saved the Kevas for the fair.

[@amandagomez4660]

Tom reminds me so much of my husband. He would have said the same thing about the dog sleeping! 😅

[@jenny37able]

Getting a second camper to use for those odd trips and to share with family and friends seems like an amazing idea. Much more minimalist that every family and friend getting their own.

[@mwebb3014]

I live all year for the STATE FAIR OF TEXAS!!! I buy season passes and go multiple times during it’s three week run. There is so much to see, do and eat it’s impossible to even scratch the surface in one day. Fair Park is the largest collection of Art Deco buildings in the country so the grounds themselves are just so beautiful since it is an actual park with quiet spots scattered everywhere with ponds, trees, grass, etc. it is my favorite three weeks of the year!!

[@Nina.177]

It was so fun to spend time with you both today!

[@christine1373]

As a child we went to the State Fair almost every year on the day veterans got in either free or discounted. That was over 50 years ago. One year I was chosen to bottle feed a baby deer!

[@angiejackman2541]

We just went in KY! Best advice to plan your day based on what you want to see. Esp since not all exhibits are there for the entire fair. Especially 4H, livestock cows, roosters, equine, bunnies, goats.

[@amandamason8945]

I love the children's book "Too Many Puppies" by Patience Brewster. I think your kids would enjoy it bc they would able to relate right now!! It is a younger reader but still very cute!

[@jennym853]

I love this size camper! I would love to get something as small as possible to tow, but can fit our family if 6. I’ll be curious to see how you fit everyone in! ❤

[@karennealy1857]

Love the Indiana State Fair! Grew up going every year with my dad & brothers. Mom hated it so she stayed home. I DIDN’T grow up on a farm, so I loved the animal barns. And the food! Breaded pork tenderloin sandwiches, grilled corn on the cob dipped in butter & rolled in salt & pepper, salt water taffy, and milkshakes at the Dairy Barn! I married a Southerner and live in Georgia and he loves our IN State Fair too so we make a pilgrimage to it every 2-3 years. He’s a gardener so now I enjoy the horticulture building exhibits too. AND now we are raising a 5-yr-old grandson we adopted, and he loves seeing the giant tractors & other farm equipment as well as the Pioneer Village where Hoosier farmers demonstrate the old-time methods, plus it’s a special joy again now to tour the animal barns with him! I love these couple videos with your cute banter and refreshing honesty and your mutually respectful relationship. Dawn I think you should pray about involving your kids in that 4H club that’s 20 minutes away!! I have to drive farther than that to my grocery or my son’s preschool, so I’m biased, but it seems like your 4H experiences were so formative in so many positive ways for you and Diana (and probably your brother too) that you would want that for your brood, even if it’s only for a season. What a perfect complement to homeschooling.

[@beckyb8808]

Stocking stuffers - we always put breakfast items the kids normally didn't get to have, little packs of donuts, miniboxes of cereal, and a note telling them to look in fridge where the mini cartons of milk and juice were stashed with bows taped on them. When they got older we put handmade coupons for things we the parents didn't like to do - one slumber party, a Saturday outing at their favorite park 2 hours away etc - Then we cheerfully delivered on those promises ensuring it was the best slumber party etc so the coupons became their favorite items overall.

[@vjc4502]

Ohhh those puppies! 11! Spay & neuter is a good minimalist choice. So much going on, nice!

[@dianasimplifies]

It's just a good choice period. So many unwanted dogs and cats running around!

[@vjc4502]

@@dianasimplifies Absolutely! Shelters here are overflowing

[@dianasimplifies]

@@vjc4502 same here. We rescue cats in our neighborhood and if we ever try to get help with cats or dogs the answer is always we are full you will have to wait. Ugh!!!

[@laurieyoung8776]

LOVE ❤️ the Minnesota State Fair! It is a tradition for our family- went as a kid, brought our kids several times a year and brought our grandson for his first time this year. It was such a joy to take him down the giant slide, the same one I took his dad down as a three year old. A reminder of how quickly time flies and how we need to maximize experiences. For us, it is also the culmination of summer, a chance to revisit the same buildings/booths/animals. We also love the amateur talent show finals on Sunday!

[@jessmo88]

Growing up as an ag kid, I was in 4-H and FFA. We love to go to our county and state fairs. We go every year. My oldest just joined 4-H, so we are looking forward to going even more since he will have some things entered.

[@themeatlessmama]

I live in the town where my state fair is held. Before I moved here I didn't even know the state fair existed. I'm not really a fan, but since we live here we take our kids. Sometimes we get free gate tickets. We budget what we pay for there. Fried pickles are my favorite fair food!

[@norafleming8304]

Just a quick recommendation for painting: 1. Try a bonding primer after a quick scuff sand (suuuuuper quick scuff sand). Here in Canada we have STIX but BIN would also work. BIN is veeeery smelly though and you will need to air out the camper as you paint AND wear a respirator. 2. I would 100% recommend going with a high quality paint. Benjamin Moore AURA Kitchen and Bath is the best of the best. I know it's a camper and spending a lot on paint seems crazy BUT the claim to fame of this paint is that you can wash the walls. I can also confirm that this claim is true. I use it outside of the kitchen and bathroom in high traffic areas with kids. I can wash my walls and they always look great after!

[@JessicaSmith-uv4dx]

I found it funny when you mentioned that kids from the 70s/80s did nothing because I’ve been talking about this with some other parents. I’m sure we did do some stuff when was growing up but I really don’t remember needing to be entertained like my kids do now. Like when did it become part of parenting to have to take your children to every single event or place available? The things I remember most about school holidays is calling for my friends and spending all day outside playing and making our own fun, not the places my parents took me. Maybe I’m the strange one

[@sigalsmadar4547]

Same here. We played outside ALL day. I lived in the woods and my friends on a farm and there was always something to explore.

[@cynthiafisher9907]

@@sigalsmadar4547 You can still make your kids do that. They end up loving it after they’re done throwing fits, lol!

[@sigalsmadar4547]

@@cynthiafisher9907 My daughter is grown with 3 elementary aged boys, and we all live in the city. 😭

[@helenebennie3961]

We went camping in a big French tent my Dad bought in 1974 for $1000 (Australian). We went to Canberra, Albury, Wagga Wagga, Lakes Entrance and quite a few times to Lake Canobolas (near Orange.) Simple but great memories. But the rest of the time we entertained ourselves. I always had little projects to do - read a certain book, sew a quilt (badly) or make slice by myself (also very badly.) Good times.

[@JessicaSmith-uv4dx]

@@cynthiafisher9907 I live the the Isle of Man so although there are things to do it’s nowhere near as easy to access places like people can in other parts of Europe or America. We’ve spent this summer doing a mixture of 1 main planned day out a week, time at home and relaxed days out. It’s been fun, we’ve had water fights, trips to the beach, a wildlife park, playgrounds we don’t usually get to visit, been on a steam train, made cakes, had barbecues with extended family. I asked my middle son who is 12 had he had a good summer his reply was ‘yeah it been decent’ which I’m taking as a win because he’s a typical hard to please preteen lol x

[@mamaleah5]

Love the State Fair! I was there for 11 hours yesterday. My favorite things to see are the creative arts and fine arts buildings, the floral arrangements in the horticulture building, and the free music/entertainment. Favorite food = walleye cakes, corndogs, uff-da tacos, and honey/sunflower seed ice cream sundaes. Pumpkin spice coffee/latte is ok once-in-awhile but I don't really care that much.

[@kristingorak4956]

Wisconsin State Fair is THE BEST!! it runs the first two weeks of August. Get the Cream Puffs!!! Love the concerts and animals are cute too!!

[@oregonk91]

I have always loved our Oregon State Fair. But it brings back SO many good memories of those adventures as a kid ... and we had Arabian horses and there was always the horse show coinciding adjoining the fairground property, so I got in FREE since we were "exhibitors." (Technically I think I was supposed to pay but sneaking from the horse barn was easy!) I went with a friend several years ago and we both loved it. Gotta find the right person. I love looking at the old fashioned crafts, the quilts, the gardening, eating junk food ... all EXCEPT the rides anymore ... well maybe the ferris wheel to view the whole area from the top. Love it! And a nearby county fair also has a rodeo with the fair. Oh the rodeo clowns ... worth the price of admission!

[@cdeuell86]

I'm not into pumpkin spice. Even though I live in Virginia, I was born and raised in upstate New York. It's all about apples for me - apple cider (hot or cold), cider donuts, etc.

[@cdeuell86]

@@infjandcoping4614 I love a good apple crumb pie. My drink of choice is a hot apple cider with a bit of caramel.

[@cindym6138]

I'm team Dawn for painting the camper!

[@graceherrmann4784]

Yay

[@natasha6752]

Loved going to the The Big E, Eastern States Exposition (New England) My adults daughters were talking about how much they want to go. But I now live in VA and they live in FL. Have to get a Maine baked potato, Rhode Island clam cakes (fritters), Vermont maple cream, Connecticut Apple pie with cheddar on top.

[@robinnelson4516]

I totally understand that you got a second camper. We love camping and camping with our family. My brother-in-law just got a very similar camper to your new one. He loves the it.

[@ordinaryeverydayanne6594]

I laughed so hard during this Q&A, Together you two are hilarious!

[@AmyB4]

Loved this! My daughter (10) and I look forward to watching all of your videos and are so thankful they’re family friendly!

[@brookearkills9839]

It's interesting that the topic of decluttering videos for guys came up. Just this weekend, my dad commented on the videos of yours he's watched that I have sent to him. He said he can see why I like them because you and I have a lot in common. He said he needs an old guy with too many abandoned car projects to tell him how to let go😄

[@anniefenter8697]

Thanks so much for the Friday chat! 💕💕 Have a great weekend!!

[@starbrightblue4936]

I grew up in the sixties and never went on vacation or school trip till after I graduated high school. My father worked his vacation time every year. Love how your family enjoys camping 🏕!!

[@hannahhowell7849]

Minimalism is only having what adds value to your life. If owning 2 campers adds value to your life, that doesn't mean you can't call yourself minimalists. You do you and don't listen to what others say. 😊

[@cookshackcuisinista]

You two are so cute together. Good to see the growth in each of you as individuals and spouses as well as partners in life!

[@kellyallen3798]

20 mins away to take all of them to the same activity is so worth it, especially when it was something you really loved.

[@carolfritz8897]

Bring your family to our Steele County Fair in Owatonna. Such community support and it is awesome!

[@pattiellen5339]

You could get a tent for your kids to sleep in instead of packing everyone in the small camper. They would probably love it!

[@saragauthier7429]

I love the state fair! However , no pumpkin lattes for me! I like plain vanilla:) but a piece of pumpkin pie and coffee (or chai tea) sounds wonderful. Sorry, if people have been doggin on you about if buying another trailer is minimalism. I think you are. You are prioritize what you love and you love camping, family and friends. That’s one of the main points of being a minimalist. Not being distracted by stuff so that your life can be filled with good things. People still get to have a hobbies. I am sure minimalism changes as a person gets older. Sometimes they need more accommodations. I think it’s very nice to consider your parents that may need a more comfortable place to stay while camping too.

[@natasha6752]

I don’t often do Starbucks because of the price. But I sprinkle some pumpkin spice, spice into my coffee. And microwaving the milk makes it takes like it’s steamed.

[@beverlyreeves7574]

We have had 3 airstreams and 1 box rv. Currently with have a big box rv with slides, etc. but we actually do miss our airstream. Because they are aluminum they are that heavy, especially the older ones. They are so user friendly and have more storage space than you would believe.

[@kimberlya6171]

I steered away from your channel for a little while, thinking I was not a “minimalist” After the second video, I was hooked and have been enjoying binge watching as many as I can. Thanks so much for the insight and understanding. You have an excellent way of explaining things and giving examples of how we can relate. In a previous video, you mentioned watching White Collar for a second time. I am always looking for good tv, so I started watching. I can’t get my husband to watch, but I am already on Season 5. This made me think of another series we used to watch - Burn Notice. It takes a couple episodes to get hooked but we enjoyed it a lot. Kinda a weird comment, but thought I would share! Thanks for sharing your lives with us!

[@rebeccashoemaker4443]

Absolutely love you two! Love how you banter back & forth. Just FYI, the lighting for your video & the WiFi issue were surprising. Still, watching you guys in a darker room with a WiFi glitch was so worth it. ❤️

[@MarianneSmith62]

Re the canned pumpkin leftover, you can freeze it in an ice cube tray and then put it in a freezer baggie. It is excellent to help doggies who have diarrhea or constipation. Dogs like the taste usually, and you'll have it on hand.

[@deedsh6280]

My Mom wrangled 5 kids with a system that has also worked for me. She had a lot on her plate and, to quote her, 'she was not running a restaurant". lol She would let us pick 2 things we were allowed to 'not like'. Meaning, (after trying it), we didn't have to eat it. We're mostly talking a 'meal' kindof thing. Mine was liver. That gave us some autonomy, and avoided food power issues. For those 2 things, the option was a peanut butter sandwhich. Even when we were old enough to make our own 'meal', it was the peanut butter option as she didn't want the kitchen messed up again or more than it already was. If there were more things we didn't like, we could avoid taking them, but literally we sat down to one meal, and for the most part, we ate it. As Tom noted, I have often thanked her for being able to go into different cultures, share fellowship with people who ate very differently, and for the most part, all 5 of us can adapt and not cause our hosts to stress about what we will and won't eat. It was funny to see us change our 2 foods as we grew older and grew to like some things that were on our list.

[@carriefischer8524]

My family and I show draft horses so we spend a lot of time throughout the summer at county fair's. We've chosen to stay away from the state fair because it's kind of crazy. That being said we love being at fair with our "fair families."

[@BrennaFender]

So glad to hear that your mom enjoyed the comments. Thanks for sharing!

[@jodierdmann2078]

I live in Central Wisconsin. Growing up I have gone to the Minnesota State Fair several times. After I was married and had kids we have gone maybe 3 times. Went to see the animals, music, food and the carnival rides.

[@juliekoontz8698]

I grew up in a small town in Ohio that held the county fair every year. We lived directly across from the county fairgrounds and my sisters and I went every day (there wasn’t an entrance fee) even if we had spent all the money we were given on the first day. There was so much to see that it didn’t matter that we couldn’t buy anything. It was awesome!! But this was back in the 70’s and it’s not the same anymore.

[@susanrandall5880]

Freeze the leftover pumpkin, in a jar or plastic container. Thank you for teaching me to change my mindset about stuff!

[@elizabethandrus3848]

Your camping adventures and misadventures are my favorite videos. It is amazing to me how quickly you both take action once a decision is made. Have a lovely weekend!!

[@charityfaith1474]

You can use the extra pumpkin for your dogs. Pumpkin is great to add to dog food. It especially helps if they have an upset stomach.

[@juliewright1895]

Try freezing the pumpkin or give it to your chickens! It’s really good for them and they absolutely love it!!

[@jocelynedesrochers732]

Do what the heck you want. Minimal or not! Your business. Have fun!

[@jl-pz1xz]

That one passed away…🤣. You have our sense of humor. I totally laughed out loud at that.

[@janabuchheit3389]

I am a woman... I am so much like Tom. I am analytical and my mental mindset has to change. If someone else tries to change it, I tend to dig my heels in a stand firmer. So this Q&A tickles me just a little because I can totally relate to him. Not to say I don't agree with Dawn also, but being the way I am, I understand the struggle. If someone asks me a blanket question, I am going to need details before I can give them an answer that I feel confident about. On another note, minimalism looks different for everyone, I think this is where people should use their own judgment with it.

[@carolgreen2118]

In California, our state fair is 8 hours away, but we always went to the county fair went to the animals and plants, and brought a picnic lunch so it was fun and not expensive until one year my brother-in-law took our kids, and they discovered rides, and food--it was never the same after that.

[@lindag5076]

I did many years at the County Fair with my girls when they were young. My husband was always asked to drive his Super Late Model Stock car in the Parade. My youngest for years was in the Horse Shows and I was ring crew for the Horse shows….now I don’t go but was asked to come to the Horse show for a reunion of Horse Show Moms… I am happy to have a Pumpkin spice on a chilly day maybe once or twice.

[@bernadettecostantino9156]

Dawn, pumpkin freezes well. We freeze it in one cup amounts, in Ziploc Freezer bags. Or in the amount that goes into a recipe.

[@bjtinker4499]

Back in the day....I did individual 4H program with my mother or neighbor as leader. Neighbor was a hobby photographer with dark room. He was my photo club leader. Just me in club. Boy did I learn a lot. And then in public school we were studying forest ecology. So guess who won championship ribbons on 4H forestry project and A+ on science class!!! Mom was everything home ec. Grandmother was my florist and garden leader. See your kids can be 4Hers too. Be creative. Camping projects. A natural for you. Head, heart, hand, and health.

[@gegeschannel8836]

We went to the Texas State Fair once when the kids were little. It was very cool as it had a lot of things that did not cost money. My favorite is the Texas State Fair corn dogs. But once is enough. It’s huge.