Being a RU-vidr has got to be the weirdest, coolest, stressful thing. On the one hand your being told that your farm is not very minimal, but how dare you not shower your kids with gifts on Christmas morning?! Your kids don't look deprived to me. Another thing to point out, you never said that your way of doing minimalism was the only way. You just said, this is how we practice minimalism. Take it or leave it. You guys are great. ❤️ Keep up the good work. The room looks great❤️ Thanks for reading, Carrie Spencer
Lol, this made me smile!: "On the one hand your being told that your farm is not very minimal, but how dare you not shower your kids with gifts on Christmas morning?!"
I was going to comment along a similar vein but this really says it all. For everyone who makes you feel judged, there are many more who support all your decisions and trust that you are doing what you should be doing. Keep going, Dawn!
Actually, watching your realistic minimalist style makes me think I can actually do it. You still have things. You didnt go down to the bare minimum which kind of freaks me out
To me being a minimalist doesn’t mean living in lack, rather, it means to have the space and things you need to live fully and happily! Love the girls room 💜
Helga, the wife of Hagar the Horrible said: "If you wear that helmet all the time, you will be bald soon." Hagar replied: "If I wear the helmet all the time, no one will ever know!" 😁
I wish I could find the photo. Our friend's husband used metal strapping to attach their TV remote to the arm of their couch after their kids lost it for the 100th time. Metal strapping! Screws right into the arm of the couch. Face palm.
My boys took it upon themselves to TAPE theirs to the wall!! 😂 I haven't done anything. I left it like that 🤣 But I do notice them every night I tuck them in! 😝 The command velcro is a great idea
I’d say boys room too so they don’t feel left out but also bc there’s 7 inches of snow outside. But since toms already working outside, I guess that doesn’t phase him haha
As far as donating hair. Wigs for Kids or Children with Hair Loss are both great places. I believe they accept as little as 8 inches. I am part at a cancer moms group and these are the two places recommended. I have heard some not so good things about Locks of Love... Glad your daughter is wanting to donate her hair! So thoughtful of her! ~Karen
Ideally 10" is the best 💗💇♀️ So measure from the length (like from your shoulders) your keeping down. If you cut it wet make sure it's dry before you mail it so it doesn't get moldy 🤪 Your guys are the best!
I was able to donate hair to the Children with Hair Loss recently. It would be a great option for her. My 2 daughters had donated before so I was excited to donate and when I was researching I went with the one I metioned above instead of Locks of Love.
"No" to locks for love . I've sent hair to children with hair loss and I think wigs for kids is good . I'm a hairdresser . I think 8 inches is probably enough. Love your channel .
“Minimalist” - “not minimalist”... these are just labels and they don’t define how “you do you”. I find you guys so inspirational and your kind words are helping us no end in sorting out our excess stuff that has filled our home and we’re so grateful for this channel.
Your girls' room looks so cozy and inviting ! Can't wait to see what you're planning for the office space ! I hope you are going to put in a kitchen/kitchenette of some sort. That would be so helpful for guests or even for you while working out there or doing homeschooling.
I've been watching you nonstop for about a month! You give me encouragement to even START in a room. I love your ideas and even though my house will never be like yours, someone just asked during Christmas if we got new wooden floors!! ❤️. Because of clearing three rooms, you can actually see my floors now!
I would have suggested doing the boy's room first, just because I don't think it would be as huge of a project. However, you have laid out a good reason to work on the office building/guest house. I look forward to seeing that project unfold! The girls' room is fantastic!
As my completely-bald husband would say, “Tom, at least you have hair.”😂 You two are awesome together. The girls’ room looks beautiful. Looking forward to seeing the next projects.❤️
My husband had already lost a fourth of his hair by the time we started dating (he was 23), almost a third by the time we got married. I knew I was not marrying him for his hair! But bonus, he washes his head (and the 1/16” long fringe of hair on the back of his head with a bar of soap and I trim his hair at home every two weeks for free. More money to go towards coloring and maintaining my hair!
You are people who put family first ! Giving your children time with Tom’s family is a gift that is maximum!!! I would never expect any explanation for that !! So excited to see you welcome family and share time ❤️
I tell my hubby- “I didn’t marry you for your hair” Farms are hard to minimize since there is so many buildings you can stick stuff! We’ve been taking stuff to the dump for 20 years on our farm and it’s much better than it was but still easy to leave stuff because you might use it!
Farm families are famous for “getting creative “ with stuff that’s been hanging around! However, I’ve personally seen a lot of stuff kept for “just in case” be ruined by water damage, mouse damage, rust, mold, oh and that accidental fire that ended up turning a whole barn and its stuff to ashes. Yep, it’s looking like your trips to the dump are a wise move.
The girls room looks beautiful, I think when it’s to cold to work on the office you you start the boys room then the actual house will be finished unless you guys have other plans for the house. It’s great when you look back at how much you have achieved this past year more than it would take years for other families to do. You are a great team you both deserve a big Pat on the back xxx
"Minimalist" is a relative term rather than an exclusive absolute standard. I am inspired by Dawn's example because she is responding to her situation with grace, gentleness, and more than a little intelligent and sharp self awareness and moving methodically toward a better life. Thank you for being so open with your process and example. I am inspired to begin my own gentle and patient minimalist process with my family. Drawer by drawer, space by space. Did the fridge today. Doing the kitchen counters bit by bit. My clothes are next.
Boys room! While it’s snowing knock that out so they enjoy their own rooms too and don’t move in with their sisters! 🤪☺️ minimalist or not-you’re helping tons of people with efficient home improvement and decluttering life and home ideas. Call it whatever you like!
I think it's great that you guys have your OWN ideas about what minimalism is for you. I know that people can be very judgmental when it comes to things like that, but at the end of the day it's really about what works for YOU. The girls' room looks awesome! I hope they enjoy it. It's nice to have a place to retreat.
Pantene no longer accepts hair donations, so my daughter and I have begun donating ours to Wigs for Kids. They do not charge recipients and they accept hair 8" or longer. They have a very straightforward donation process, with a printable form, so it's easy to do.
The definition of minimalist is going to look different for each family because each family has different needs and wants and even what they like to surround themselves with. I have a total of 6 pots/pans/skillets but an entire cabinet of fiestaware and polish pottery dishes because I love color and rotate it so I can use it all.
Oh my goodness get the boys room done next! :) It will be so nice to have all inside stuff completed and the kids can relax and enjoy it over Christmas!
I love the girls' room! And the Roman shade is so unexpected in color and yet so fabulous. The swing is amazing. Wonderful job! Clean, lean, and beautiful. What a great opportunity to have room for an office and family. You guys are an inspiration on many levels. I definitely think you're minimalist. Maybe homey minimalists. Your home is very welcoming but not burdened with stuff. For those critical of you not being minimal enough, you do you! It inspires the rest of us.
Dawn and Tom, the girls bedroom is so cozy and just right! You were definitely right about the lights - great location choice and the bulletin boards are such a great addition between the lights and the shelving. The roman shade is the perfect pop of black which really speaks big girls' room. Thanks for sharing the process.
Love how this turned out! Perfect for now and as they get older. I vote for a speedy finish in the boys room and then to the outbuilding office. We have a cottage on our property we are renovating and going to do air bnb, so we have flexibility for friends and family and our use of it. Also rent out some of our shed space minus area we leave for the kids to play during winter (Sodak). Always options in life!
My vote would be for you to finish your boys' bedroom but I can completely understand why you feel the need to get the office space done sooner rather than later. It's tough for a family to be together all the time. Thank you so much for all of your great videos. Hugs!!
Dawn you asked, “What do you tell your husband...”. You tell him he is as handsome as ever, you love him no matter if he has hair or not and you love him for WHO he is, not his hair (or whatever he thinks a problem might be). 🥰
We did the same thing with our king size bed, for our daughter and son. Each side of our bed had 3 half width drawers. Perfect for each of the kids to have 3 full width drawers. tons of storage for clothes. Great for small rooms..no need for dressers.
I would vote that to. But I do understand with all of them at home, all of the time that they would choose for Tom to work outside the home for a little while.
Congratulations! You did it and it looks great. I'm glad the girls are happy, and it's so satisfying to finish a project economically and with clever details. Thanks for sharing! My house is only 75 years old, but there are still 999+ projects on my list to repair.
As we get older, some things recede and others expand 😄 we just continue to bless each other with affirmations. Great job on the room. You're so lucky to have a "do-er".
You talk about a simple or simplistic lifestyle I don't know about the minimalist stuff people take it to an extreme sometimes But this simple or simplistic lifestyle it's what makes you happy in your home healthy And whatever is functional for that specific family🦋
Good luck on your foster care endeavor. I worked CPS years ago and know good foster parents are sorely needed. The successful ones I knew thought of their foster care journey as a mission.
The room looks great..! I would go with Wigs for Kids, for donating her hair. What I've heard is they give the wigs to kids where Locks of love still charge for them..not sure if that's fact, but I would check into it!!
Tom is so talented. You are both so blessed to have each other. You are a blessing to everyone. Thank you for always inspiring us. God bless your entire family
Maybe your daughter could donate her hair to Tom.🤣 Love the room. It actually looks bigger. Great color scheme. I'd suggest the boys room next. Seems like your youngest could use a new bed.
Adeline is getting so pretty and Maggie has such a great way of expressing herself! Adeline is super unselfish to think about what she can do to help someone who is suffering in so many ways. The room turned out beautifully in every way!!!!! Fabulous workmanship and an eye for colors and details, all without breaking the bank. I tell my husband that I didn't marry him because he had hair and I don't love him less if he loses hair. ❤️💕 I'm sorry people put you in a position where you feel like you have to explain yourself about anything. (It is kind of funny though, that those who criticize are so predictable you know what to "reply" before they say anything ;) I am just really thankful you will share your ideas, family, and other adventures. You and your family are a bright spot in the world! =) Keep up the good work!
Having the office doesn’t make you not minimalist. As a family of 6, you need a work space especially if your job is working from home. I love the girls room and how creative you were with what you already had
You guys did a fantastic job with the girls' room!!! It's a haven for them now! You ARE minimalists. You are definitely living a simplified lifestyle and you have inspired so many of us, to join your community. Thanks for all the great tips and tricks that you've taught us, along the way. Tom, thin hair and grey hair only make you look more distinguished. No worries. Love watching your videos, guys!
When my husband started losing hair, I told him to go bald. He shaved his head and immediately looked about 10-years younger. It has been 13 years now and I love it! Also, YIKES! about the snow.
It is still minimal though because it’s your work space! Lots of people own their own businesses and rent space from others or who go to work and have all of that space. Makes total sense to me! It’s going to be gorgeous💜
Love the girls’ room! It looks simple, neat and lovely! Boys’ room should be next.😊 Just an idea for the remote - put Velcro on the back of the remote so it can stick to the shelf or headboard. I realize the remote could still go missing with Velcro on it but you never know. 😂
I'm super excited for the office building project! The great thing about minimalism is that it is supposed to be what you find value in for yourself, not everybody else for you. Use your audience as a compass to help keep you on track, but if you have thought about it and feel that it adds value for you, go for it! Personally, it excites me. My family lives 8+ hours away so it would be nice to have that space. It also could provide some passive income for you on Airbnb. People love staying at farms!
Don't let anyone tell you how to do Minimal. My favorite thing about you is you saying "you do you". I am a eco-frugal who dabbles in minimal meets Prepper. Because I found you I have finally felt the ability to concur my house again which has been creeping back up since my last house burned in 2016 and my mother passes Oct 2016. Losing everything was both freeing and devastating. But you have given me the ability to pick and choose better and let go again. Combining how you wade though things with my 15 min or 10 min at a time because of having Ehlor Danlos has been amazing, and giving myself permission to only have cloth that fit and look and feel good has been so freeing. also you are so blessed to have such an amazing family from your kids and mom and sister to Tom and his family and making space so that his family can visit more should be a priority. Because family far and wide is so important to you and your children.
I just watched the linked video about feelings around Christmas gifts and I was so happy to hear you say you love Thanksgiving. I have told my family for YEARS that Thanksgiving is my favorite for all the reasons you stated. It is the same feeling, feast, family gathering, etc, without the pressure and stress of gifts. Thank you for being you and putting yourself out there for others. Hope your family has a wonderful holiday season.
I love your example of simple/minimal living! I like what Tom has said just don't make us look weird. I don't want to look weird either so I am thankful for tools to get rid of stuff so I have less to manage.
P.s. the room is ADORABLE. WOW! Love everything. Clever touches. Ahhh so clutter free....”Use it or lose it use it or lose it” 💪 I’m going to go attack my Workshoppe!
Yes Tom! You took the words right out of my mouth. Everyone has there on version of minimalism. If you need an office or a guest bedroom more power too you. Also it will be fun to watch the transformation for us.
It turned out great! Good job! I've donated my hair to Locks of Love 3 times and I just love them. They require a bit more length but I live their mission and connection to kids. I wholeheartedly recommend them! Keep up the good work. The office is a good choice, too.
I think you should work on the boys room! They live in your house full time, they should have a nice space like the girls do! Maybe while your working on other projects, you can be thinking of ways to make the boys room special for them! Are bunk beds feasible for the boys? That would give them more space in their room! Maybe a swing for them as well? I think the girls room looks beautiful! If ever needed, you can alway hang a curtain to use as a closet door!
Well I’m excited about the next project. I’m glad you are making a space for family to visit. It’s going to be awesome. Can’t wait to see what you do. The girls’ room looks great. Thanks for sharing.
Four places that donate wigs to cancer patients. I’ve been doing this for years! Started using wigs for kids because I found out some places charge the kids which i feel isn’t right. www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/self-esteem/4-charities-that-make-free-wigs
You guys are great, minimalism is exactly what you said, clearing out so you can do the things that matter most. It's a state of mind as well with getting rid of clutter and the Biblical message of detaching. No one is more "holy" or saintly for being a minimalist that has 50 things vs 200!
The room looks great! I only started watching your videos a couple of weeks ago but have taken away so many things that have helped me get rid of stuff. The first area I tackled was my kitchen and I love my cleaned off counters. We've also sold furniture and end tables and will have one massive garage sale in the Spring. I love that you reinforce that everyone has different needs and it's ok to do whatever works for us even if it's different from what others (minimalists or non minimalists) think we should do. Having 'less inventory to manage' is exactly what I needed to hear and what I am striving towards so I can focus on more important things 😌. Thanks so much for such great videos and sharing your life with us.
Story time about the hair line- I watched my husband put sunscreen on before we went boating one day. I noticed he wasn’t going into the recesses of his hair line with the sunscreen. I opted out of mentioning it- I guess to be nice? But then, he got burned and got razzed at work about it for a week! He is good natured and rolled with the punches. It is hard to know how to handle aging comments with sensitivity 🤷🏻♀️ I personally think men become better looking as they age. None of us can look 20 forever- and men are better off for it!
I agree, minimalism is defined in many different ways - it’s definitely a personal decision. I’m on board with the office project!!! It makes complete sense to have a quieter space to work at times. Plus, I love the fact that your adding a guest room/ apartment(?) for Tom’s family to visit. I’m looking forward to seeing this project unfold!! The girl’s room looks great!! Great job! And finally, I’m so sorry about 7 inches of snow in October....I’m not a fan even though I live in NJ. We woke to snow this morning - had to clear off the cars. It’s afternoon and already gone.
I have adult kids that need a place to stay when they come visit. Although I want to downsize I enjoy them staying with me. So for now I’ll keep my home that has enough rooms for everyone. Enjoy your space!
Thank you Dawn once again for your extra video explaining your take on Christmas. I absolutely agree the only purpose of gifts is to show your loving feelings towards someone not just to fill the space with stuff. Fewer, thoughtful gifts are better!
Looks awesome! Can't wait to see the boys' room all done too! 💜 I just tell my husband "I think you look sexy" or "I don't care, I love you no matter what" Does the agency you're doing foster care through require that the child(ren) has their own room? My parents adopted 9 of us (from several different agencies) and they had to have many of us in our own bedroom.
You are definitely minimalists!! You’ve also been my greatest source of inspiration and motivation. Can’t wait to see the office space come together. You guys work so fast so I’m sure the boys room won’t be far behind.
The room came out awesome. The bedding is the best. I had seen them before and kept stalking the site for sales, finally was able to order for my kids bunk beds, they love them.
Looks great! Love, love, love it! Yeah Tom can work on the office/guest house and Dawn can paint and decorate boys room. I don't think the boys room needs lots of construction, does it? You should give the boys a swing too, I'm sure you could find one more boyish. Love your channel. Love and blessings ❤🙏
The girls' room is so bright & cheery! You did a great job! I really enjoy watching all of your projects and always look forward to your Sunday posts. 😁🍁🍂
The renovation looks amazing, so glad you brought us along on your reno journey. Tom I am will to accept 80% done as right now my kitchen is 100% torn apart. lol
Wigs for Kids! 12-14" is the minimum donation length - but honestly, that left my daughter with a very very short cut. If we had been more patient, she would have grown it to 18". Wigs for Kids is marvelous because they never charge the recipient for the wig. The stylist who we see has a daughter who battled childhood cancer and she determined that Wigs for Kids was the best program for families who really need the wigs.
The room is so beautiful!! It turned out so well!! On another note, I don't think you should worry or feel that you need to explain whether or not something is "minimalist". What you have done (everywhere) is beautiful and super simplified, and I think that is what most of us find so inspiring and want to create in our own homes!! Thank you for showing us how it can be done!!
love the girls' room! Can't wait to see the boys' room next :) btw, you two are so cute together! I love watching you interact; your love for eachother and your kids is so obvious (and not overdone).
Love the room. Thanks for adding the info on the bedding. I was so hoping you would! What a sweet child you guys have wanting to donate her hair, that heart is to be celebrated for sure! So...my daughter donated her hair several times when she was younger. I would definitely suggest going to the donation of choice and looking for their guidelines. Most have specific ways to cut / donate hair. We did Pantene beautiful lengths one time ( I don’t think they do theirs anymore) but you may want to check. Wigs for kids is another one we were happy with. Locks of love is widely known but I would just say do a little research before picking a company. We definitely liked the first two that I mentioned way better than locks of love . I hate to say too much negative about any company trying to do good where cancer/ hair loss is concerned. However , I would recommended to do some personal research and pray and God will guide you to the best hair donation option that fits your family and for your sweet girl.
