Thanks for watching! 🤗You can find all the links to the things I mentioned in this video in the description box (as well as the video chapters for the specific categories). Enjoy!

@trishread.s

7 ай бұрын

Vera, I think you'll like the book Welcome to hyunam-dong bookshop. Thanks for the video 😊

@heatherframpton9693

2 ай бұрын

This is a favorite episode. Please consider doing one of these for 2023-2024! 😊

This channel is hands down one of my favourite finds of ‘22-‘23. Sending much ❤ from 🇨🇦.

@SimpleHappyZen

7 ай бұрын

Aww yay! Thanks Stephanie 😊💕

Dear Vera, you deserve a great community and a new house and everything you get.

@SimpleHappyZen

7 ай бұрын

Aw thank you, I really appreciate that 🥹🥹 This is the sweetest of comments ❤️

@bumblebee_mrs

7 ай бұрын

@@SimpleHappyZenYou're welcome. I meant it.

Thanks! For a young person, you are very wise! I am a retired teacher, who burned out during the pandemic, then retired. I knew all my life that I was the kind of person who functioned best in the slow lane, needed boundaries to protect my mind. I wish I had met someone like you, in my youth. Wish there had been more public discussion, support from employers and others. I may have made different choices, advocated better for myself, at a time when I could have saved myself from wearing down so much. That part in this video about relaxing and being authentic me in conversations, is so true! Now that I have taken on a slower life, meditation and self-care, I am having to learn to bring the new me to social situations. People I have known for years, patterns of relating, which I know don't reflect the real me. I will need to work on presenting my authentic self consistently. So that's how you have helped me. Happy new year to you too. Best wishes!

@SimpleHappyZen

4 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for your kind words ❤ So happy to hear my videos have been helpful for you and I hope you'll keep practicing with being your authentic self and taking good care of your wellbeing, because you deserve to!! Sending a hug

Your soul is just breathtakingly beautiful. Thank you for being you and sharing your heart and ideas in such a calming, inspirational way 💖🥰👏

@SimpleHappyZen

7 ай бұрын

Aw thank you for your kind words! 🤗💕 Have a great weekend

I've noticed that a lot of your videos are about appreciation and being grateful for even the smallest objects/tasks. I'm really inspired by your content to practice more gratitude in my life. 😊😊😊 I would love to know, how do you know when is it necessary to purchase something?

Nick Lewis is always entertaining!

Thank YOU Vera for bringing such beautiful content ❤ Each year I declutter my KZread subscriptions and you always stay, there’s no way I’ll cut you 😁. Have you watched Pick up limes, she has delicious and simple recipes and it has helped me incorporate many vegan meals in my menu.

@SimpleHappyZen

7 ай бұрын

Aw yay, so happy to hear that!! 🤗 Also yes, I know her and I've definitely made many of her recipes throughout the years, Sadia never disappoints :)

I wish I could appreciate perfume but I am so sensitive to fragrances like that. When I am around someone with strong perfume, I can’t stand it and it often triggers headaches or nausea! I’m sure there are others like me out there who appreciate when people keep their perfumes subtle 😅

I too bought a stick vacuum this year. Every time I use it, I congratulate myself for the purchase. The charge lasts 40 minutes on bare floors but only 20 minutes on carpet. My house is 1400 sq. ft. with three quarters of it carpet. Last summer I watched a video about managing house cleaning by dividing it into daily bite-size tasks. With that in mind, I broke my vacuuming into three zones that could be cleaned in 20 minutes. So, each zone gets vacuumed twice a week and I'm no longer overwhelmed by this chore.

I agree with you about White Lotus 2. So different from first episode which was great.

Hi Vera, last week I've been decluttering the KZread channels I'm following. Yours is one of my absolute favorites and I'm looking forward to many more wonderful videos. Thanks for your inspiring work! 💜 from 🇩🇪

I discovered Nick Lewis this year, too! I also spit out my tea once or twice laughing.

My husband and I finally got a cordless vacuum and we got a Dyson on sale recently. I think any cordless vacuum would have been an upgrade, but I'm just glad we have something that's so light and easy to use. Now we don't hate vacuuming. I love lilsimsie! I've been watching Kayla's videos since 2019 and she's the person who finally inspired me to get The Sims 4. I've really enjoyed watching your channel this year, Vera! ☺

Wishing you blessings for a wonderful 2024. All the best Vera.

Being super positive here! 🤩 (I no longer am diabetic (from test results, not that it can't come back) for a year, three tests and at first prediabetic and now not at all. Woohoo! 🤪

@SimpleHappyZen

7 ай бұрын

Aw yay, I'm so happy for you!!!! ❤❤❤❤ Congratulations! I was just thinking about it today and wondering if you'd have more info. Way to go👏👏👏

@Robert-qm1ld

7 ай бұрын

@@SimpleHappyZen I've studied diabetes for almost two years. Patreon messages?

@SimpleHappyZen

7 ай бұрын

​@@Robert-qm1ldSure!

@dianeyoung8068

7 ай бұрын

That is great, keep up the good work!

@Robert-qm1ld

7 ай бұрын

@@dianeyoung8068 thank you. it's been a journey. 🙂

For a fav in the product category... Laundry detergent in a tiny box. Dehydrated gel laundry strips...sure is a minimalist notion. They are neato!

Thanks, Vera! Yeah, I didn't know about your wonderful KZread channel in 2022-2023. I am so glad I know of it now! ❤ Great product recommendations...especially about a clothes drying rack, a good backpack, The Body Shop & vegetarian/vegan products! We have that Japanese seasoning in our spice rack! Thanks for that recipe, too. Yoga with Adriene( & Benji!)= love! I appreciate other recommendations.

Please make a video about your “splurges” as a minimalist! Like things you still like to spend money on or things you wouldn’t give up as a minimalist

@SimpleHappyZen

7 ай бұрын

I recently made that video! 😊 You can watch it here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/aKJ11rRyZ9fMo5c.htmlsi=4u7rAh0RWS0E8qb2

I don't have a whole lot of favorites for the year. I've been mostly trying to reclaim my health through carnivore, fiber has destroyed by digestive system, causing a very long bout of diverticulitis (with bacterial infection) for 6 months which was very painful. I'm hopeful 2024 will be a much better year.

Hi Vera, I found Circe at my local library. I just finished reading it and I absolutely loved it ❤ Thank you for your recommandation !

@SimpleHappyZen

5 ай бұрын

Oh so cool, so happy to hear it!!! ❤️❤️❤️ This makes my day

You are very humble, on screen which very important. Thank you.

Vera, you are delightful. KZreadrs are minimal for me. You are one of my 4. Thank you for your time and efforts.

I really love your channel and videos, they inspire me a lot. I don't know if you already recorded a video about it, but I would like to see how do you pack light for trips, and if you can give us some tips as well. Happy Holidays.

Duolingo. How did I let my Spanish lesson go?! Thanks for getting me back and learning!

I got a cheap Amazon stick vacuum with 2 batterie's and I'm loving it also

How funny- I'm playing sims right now! Sims 4 is free to play now if you want- and yes I love Kayla too! Deligracy and James Turner are also great as well!

I’m grateful that I found your channel and enjoy watching your videos, it’s like getting together with a friend for coffee or tea!

This got me thinking what my favorite items have been from this year: 1. Books: I really enjoyed reading Ada Limón's poems: The Hurting Kind and Shelter: A love letter to trees. She is the poet aureate of the united states and both of her books deal with grief but in the most gentle way, 2. Shows: Taskmaster has been my go-to anytime I wanted to have a laugh. (it's on youtube) 3.KZread channels: Film Courage 4.Podcast: The Slowdown. 5 minute of intro and poetry which blend really well together. 5.Beverages: This year, I really enjoyed drinking lemon-vanilla (Tazo) and Lemon ginger tea (Twinnings). Also, I came across some hand-mixed blended teas that blew my mind! As for food, I learned this recipe from a friend: sauteé mushroom, onion and spinach. Add ground time, black pepper and cream cheese. Then you can put this mixture on either another mushroom, or a layer of potatoes! Easy and delicious.

I have learned a lot from you. Thank you for sharing!❤

I really enjoy every vlog you make. Keep growing and inspiring, Vera 🌷

@SimpleHappyZen

7 ай бұрын

Aw thank you 🤗🌸🌼 And thank you for being around for a long time!! :)

Thank you for sharing 🤗

Nick Lewis is popular because you referred me to him. :) I started watching him because his advice is sensible, but most of those interiors I wouldn't want, and I can't believe the instagram trends people are following. Its nice that he recognizes minimalism. Although that means different things to different people. E.g., most "minimalist decors" I've seen are tightly coupled with modernism, whereas simple decluttering or being slow to adopt new technology wouldn't necessarily be modernist.

@sluggo206

7 ай бұрын

In childhood in the 70s I used to read my parents' 1959 decorating book and the Sears catalog, and draw floor plans of the houses and fixtures I wanted from them -- all from a consumerist mindset. Recently I found a reprint of that 1959 book and am reading it again -- but as a minimalist I don't like any of the designs so far, and wouldn't have a house and all that stuff. Still, it's interesting to explore the relationship between what the target reader wants and what I want.

I agree about white lotus. I couldn’t get in to season 2 either. 🤷🏻‍♀️

My favorite KZread channel is yours!

@SimpleHappyZen

7 ай бұрын

Aw thank you so much ruth 🤗🌸🌼

Make some book recommendations videos all the books you have read. I really love your reading taste in both fiction and non fiction books. They redonate with me so well and i get to have a good time thanks to you.... ❤ from Bangladesh

Beg to differ. I think I have seen every video of yours. I joined patreon and binge-watched a few but not all of them. You've got a tea-drinker/fan right here ^-^

If you like sackboy, I think you would really enjoy It Takes Two. My husband and I had a lot of fun playing it :)

Definitely give white Lotus season two a chance, it is a little different tone than season one, but absolutely amazing!

love your vlog Vera ❤❤❤ especially for the books ❤❤ I love books sooooo much now excited for reading the book you vlog 💞💞☺️☺️ noodle recipe I try to cook for my toddler and to my husband. .😊 Take care always...

Vera, I just followed you recently but you are already one of my favourite KZreadrs! ❤ Thanks for making those wonderful videos.

@SimpleHappyZen

7 ай бұрын

Aw thank you so much ❤😊 Take care and have a nice day!

There is no such thing as overnight success. It takes time, effort and persistence to achieve your goals. Don't compare yourself to others who seem to have it all. Trust the process and enjoy the journey.

I have the same drying rack, I love it so much (loving this is proof that I'm getting older I think hhaha)

Thank you for these beautiful and calming, grounding videos, Vera. 🥰🙏🏼 The way you feel when you turn on that game you liked is how I feel when I open a video of yours - instantly in a better mood - happier and calmer. And btw, I teared up with you when you did in this video. 🥹💞 Your appreciation for the support of your channel is so touching! 🥲 Always looking forward to more! 🎉

@SimpleHappyZen

6 ай бұрын

Aw thank you Susie 🥹🥹🥹❤️❤️❤️

I agree that JanSport backpacks are very durable. When my daughter was in school, it's the only backpack that I didn't have to replace after 1 year of use.

@SimpleHappyZen

7 ай бұрын

Ah yes, so many people here have said the same thing! I was really surprised because I hadn't heard of that brand before, but I really lucked out with it because it's such great quality :)

Lol! I just watched Nick Lewis before checking out your latest and playing Lofi Girl on other tablet (Christmas Lofi). Both highly recommended!

Heart of Kentucky❤. Hi BEAUTIFUL VERA in the NETHERLANDS! You are such a BLESSING❤. I PRAY for you 🙏 and yours. I'm your PRAYER 🙏 WARRIOR! Love you. Katie.

If you are looking for a stick vac that will do a house of 100qm (as is ours) look into shark! We have one and I do the whole house and still have battery left! Two pets and long hair in the household!

I really enjoy your video, Vera. It was a really good use of my time ❤ time flies when we have a such nice and kind person like you helping us 😊😊😊😊

Thanks for the recipe :) have you seen the boy and the heron? Thoguht of you when I saw it. Very good!

@SimpleHappyZen

7 ай бұрын

You're welcome, enjoy!! I'll go and see it in January but I'm hearing so many great things about it! :)

Dear Vera, you are channel is very nice❤

favourite of 2023: your channel 😊 and realising that I am a high sensitive person in some ways...

@SimpleHappyZen

7 ай бұрын

Aw so nice, thank you!! :) Also yes that's such a lightbulb moment isn't it :)

I also have a backpack by Jansport....similar to yours. Over 15 yrs old...I use it the same as you....airplane travel and grocery runs. it's fantastic. No signs of wear.

...dear Vera,much Gratitude and Light from sLOVEnija ❣️

@SimpleHappyZen

7 ай бұрын

Thank you so much, take care and have a lovely day! 🥰

I love my Jansport backpack that was on me for all our motorcycle cross country trips. The durability of it is amazing - it's over 25 years old! Love your videos and they always leave me with a happy heart. Your voice is like a friend coming to your home whenever you post something new. X's from lj in the USA🌞NM

Yes. A phone tray near the front door is a must.

@SimpleHappyZen

7 ай бұрын

You use it too? Awesome! :)

Loved your list!!! I also watch Yoga with Adrienne ❤ I'm going to try out your other recommendations, thanks so much for sharing!

Thanks Vera really enjoy watching your videos ❤

Grain coffee is quite popular in Poland :) At least it used to be when I was a kid and wanted to "drink coffee" ;). I don't really drink it anymore because of my insulin resistance but my son likes it a lot. The most popular brands here are Inka and Anatol. Actually Inka is so well-known that the word is a synonim of "grain coffee".

A few months ago I also got the same IKEA book shelf and I absolutely love it too! Thank you for this list, Vera. I found myself grateful for the small, simple and practical things 🥰 PS: I also keep coming back to Yoga with Adrienne! I think she has a really soothing presence - just like you 😊 Another workout channel I love is the complete opposite yet I enjoy to jump into a different side of myself: The Fitness Marshall 👌🏻 The show I enjoyed the most this year is a really old one: The IT Crowd 😂 My new boyfriend introduced me and it’s absolutely wonderfully bonkers!

Thanks for the book recommendations! I wrote all of them down. I really think you would like Jenny Mustards channel, because she reads a lot of the same books, especially the Japanese ones, and she does a lot of book video’s. But you already probably know her. Her first novel, Ok days, came out this year and it is absolutely lovely. Such a nice modern lovestory written in a modern literary dreamy way.

@SimpleHappyZen

7 ай бұрын

Oh nice! Yes I know Jenny Mustard but haven't really watched many of her videos recently.. I'll check out her book recommendations :) I've also seen Ok Days around but haven't tried it yet, good to hear it's good :) I was curious, since Jenny always writes without using caps and punctuation marks and stuff, is her novel like that too?

@MindOfMine.

7 ай бұрын

@@SimpleHappyZen Haha funny that you notice that. No her novel is with a lot of great and on point interpunction. So no worries about that :) Yeah she still does fashion video's (especially the no buy video's) bot a lot more book video's as well since she also writes herself.

Vera, thank you so much for such a heart-warming video. I'll make sure to slowly work through the list of books, shows and channels that you recommended. I have discovered you about three years ago and I watch you regularly. Your videos have become a very integral part of my life. I share some of them with my children (13 and almost 10 years old). Big hug your way from the Russian gal living in Ukraine!

@SimpleHappyZen

7 ай бұрын

Aw thank you so much for your kind words!! And for being around here all this time 🤗🌷

I have wax earplugs if I want to muffle out sound. I think it's less cumbersome and expensive than headphones to block out sound. Loving your 'Favorites' I have 2 of the Dryers. I got from Aldi. 😊 Thank you 👏. I find you very relaxing to listen to 🧘‍♀️ 😊

Your channel has brought a lot of peace to my life this year. Thank you for doing what you do! I hope you keep at it :)

@AmyFMcCready

7 ай бұрын

also the phone tray is genius!

@SimpleHappyZen

7 ай бұрын

Aw thank you so much, that's so nice to hear 🌸❤️🌸❤️ Take care and have a lovely end of 2023!

Lilsimsie happens to be vegan and she does baking streams sometimes. And it’s on her second channel😚 Hi from Japan!

@SimpleHappyZen

7 ай бұрын

Oh that's so cool! I knew she didn't eat meat and that she doesn't use cosmetics that have been tested on animals, but I didn't know if she was actually vegan :) Hi back! :)

🎉❤🎉❤🎉❤🎉 Thank You Vera!!! 😊😊😊

Thanks to you, Vera!! ❤❤❤

I’ve been teaching myself Dutch on Duolingo since the pandemic. Mijn Nederlandse vader heeft mij niet geleerd!

LOVED your recommendations!!

I was watching one of your videos and discovered you are learning a 4th language but already know 3. That is awesome and good luck on your journey. Video My 2023 Favorites is not long at all it is great.

Thank you ❤

More love to you Vera ❤❤❤

Perfect video!! Thank you Vera!!🌟🥰💟

Thank you so much for your wonderful videos. You do such a beautiful job of helping others. You have become a huge part of my day. I'm assuming lots of the people reading this also have my personality and would benefit greatly from the 3 books that helped me crack the constant anxiety I felt for most of my life: "Atomic Focus by Patrick McKeown, Breath by James Nestor and The Language of Breath by Jesse Coomer"

I'm usually a silent watcher but I also thoroughly enjoyed the Grishaverse novels. I think the King of Scars duology is my favorite of them all. They're all really enjoyable, but the last two just really resonated with me.

Thanks for sharing! I had this video on and my 11 year old got super excited because he loves Japan and doesn't find too many people that share his love. He also uses Duolingo for Japanese and loves it.

You are on of my favorite new watches! I've really just gotten involved with minimalism and self care in the past couple of years. Minimalism this year. I love you as a human being! I watch your videos when I'm feeling anxious cuz you have such a calming demeanor. You really help me! Thank you for all that you do!

Yay! Lilsimsie and Lofi girl! :)

Vera, this was such a nice video! Watching your videos makes me feel so calm and relaxed🤍 Love from the UK ❤

Thanks for sharing; I love this! It makes me want to reflect on my favorite things of this year. Even though I don't usually do this, it's a great idea.

Two of my favourites are my hanging basket of petunias - a pretty annual plant of big flowers. Mine are pink and white. The other are my old white and gold tea/coffee mugs ❤

@SimpleHappyZen

7 ай бұрын

Ah that sounds beautiful!!

Thank you Vera, from the UK ❤

Thanks for sharing!

Always enjoy your soothing voice and your useful suggestions. Good ideas for ideas for gifts, too.

@SimpleHappyZen

7 ай бұрын

Thank you Linda, glad you enjoyed it!! 🥰

Thank YOU for making all these great videos for us. At the moment I’m at the max of things I can handle so no new things for now but just rest until I feel better again and able to make some more changes or more impressions. So I did save this video in my How to change file and will certainly try some of your recommendations later 😊.

Thank you for your videos! It was one of the best things happening to me this year finding your channel. I am looking foreward to next year and your new videos! Another favourite KZreadr of mine is Marissa from @AtoZenLife - she makes videos about minimalism, decluttering, goal-setting and how to save money. A book that definitely will be among my favourite from now on is "The girl who fell beneath the sea" by Axie Oh (I read the German translatiion "Das Mädchen, das in den Wellen verschwand"). I love the anime-ish vibes Axie Oh's writing spreads, and it has so lovable characters - and a strong female protagonist.

You’re my favorite person whom I found 2023;I hope you much more light and love in the new year dear Vera❤

I loved this video! Thank you for sharing your favs. Most were new to me so I’m looking forward to trying out some these items. You’re so sweet and such a positive place to spend time on internet. ❤

Some great tips for products thank you .

@SimpleHappyZen

7 ай бұрын

You're very welcome, glad you enjoyed the list! :)

i discovered your channel a while ago but was not ready for it. Now I am and looove it. it helps me to calm down in my sometimes hectic and stressy work life thank you so much ❤❤❤

Thank you Vera for sharing your favorite things. I have taken up reading this year. I have read 13 books so far. I borrow them from my local library. Right now reading books by the author Eve Chase. Her stories are mysteries and set in the countryside of Cornwall, England. I love mysteries. ❤️

@SimpleHappyZen

7 ай бұрын

Oh so cool!! 13 books is a very respectable number haha :)

@cathylynnpietranton

7 ай бұрын

@@SimpleHappyZen thanks

Me and my boyfriend try to always watch your new videos when they come out. I found it ironic that you love listening to the KZreadr even though you aren't into simms at the moment. Me and my boyfriend are maximalists and defo not minimalists but we just enjoy your videos, the matcha and the cosiness! Haha :)

Fantastic ty x

@SimpleHappyZen

7 ай бұрын

You're so welcome, glad you enjoyed the video! 🙃🌺

Yeah I’m really thankful for this channel! Love it so much!😊

❤ even in het nl: je hebt echt een onwijs fijne stem om naar te luisteren en een relaxte achtergrond! Thanks for your content!👏🍀

@SimpleHappyZen

7 ай бұрын

Aw lief, dankjewel! 😊 Fijn weekend!!!

I totally get the drying rack ! There are just soemthings which make life easier.!!

@SimpleHappyZen

7 ай бұрын

Exactly! :) Funny how happy you can be with something like a drying rack hahaha

I automatically became a minimalist when I got old and could not clean, carry, work, craft,etc., the way I used to. Just thinking that I may have to move in the future makes me want to downsize. In addition, I no longer care. I have enjoyed my life, my things, my collections, my house, etc, and I am over it. I just want to be happy, enjoy my friends and family, and do what I want to do.

Could you please also make a video on relationships and finding the right partner? 💜

Your videos are great, so peaceful! I love your insights. How do you manage to be a minimalist when it comes to books? Honest question... I keep buying them even though there are lots of unread books at home.

Just love your videos Vera always a massive staple for me, i live on my own and you are wonderful company for me, i especially like the fact you are never loud and in my face haha May i wish you a very happy Christmas and new year all the very best to you and your boyfriend God bless xxxxx