Y’all Come Eat!

 Sometimes it’s about getting something done not doing it perfectly. As a mom I tried to follow the trends and the shifting food guides and all the tricks for making tasty, healthy food at home. It meant I was seldom pleased with any meal. Fast and easy was short on nutritional value. Carefully crafted over hours was completely unappreciated. Things considered really healthful when my mom made them were completely suspect now. There was no winning.

Not so for Mama J Rae. She proudly cooks for her family of seven with gusto and love. She wins hands down every meal, and her kids are always glad to answer her call. The food is generally simple but expertly prepared. Watching her throws things on her Blackstone, combine ready-made components and chop up fruit makes me want a do-over day with my kids. 

https://youtu.be/0iWPyKireaw?si=Cx_GIkja5CN56_ir

His Half of the Parenting

 I have an awesome dad who more than carried his weight in parenting my sister and I. Whether it was laundry or dinner or amazing adventures, Dad had it covered. Other kids talked about their fathers being distant and uninterested in them. I couldn’t relate. I grew up to find that dads like mine are rare and precious indeed which is why I’m so happy to introduce you to Mason Smith.

Mason is a YouTuber who proudly displays his heroic efforts to make joy for his family. If you had a dad like mine, wanted a dad like mine or you are a dad like mine you will love this channel. You might even find yourself tearing up. Enjoy

https://youtube.com/@dadsocial?si=HyoDKU6t7n_eih_W

Bug Farmer

 

Bugs are fascinating. They can be gross, but bees are only a problem if they make a hive in the wrong place. My interest in bees as particularly interesting may have started when I spent the night at a friends house where they kept bees. I only saw the equipment and the box, but it was fascinating to imagine what was happening in the box.

YouTube lets me explore lives I won’t live, and I am enjoying the life of bees. I’m watching multiple channels, and offering advice as if I knew anything. A bee stung me once. It didn’t hurt very much. I’ve never been stung since. I like to think it’s because I am generally calm. 

Bug Farmer is an experimenter. He likes to try new hives and new ideas. He is always moving forward, forward, forward. I pick up a lot of information from his channel, and he keeps my interest.

https://www.youtube.com/c/BugFarmerBees/videos

Down in the Heart

 

Usually in this spot I recommend a YouTuber whose work I enjoy, but this time I’m going to post a shout out to one of my childhood’s greatest pleasures. My mother went off to a conference for Christian school teachers and picked up Dottie Rambo’s Down By the Creek Bank for me. A creek ran under our church/school so it was on the nose. It was love at first listen. I’d been on days to the country, and we all loved singing. Every song meant something to me as I listened to it over and over and over. The truth in those songs sank deep in my heart both guiding and comforting me.

My tape was completely worn out, so I rejoiced to find the album on YouTube. Give it a listen and play it for your kids.

https://youtu.be/Owr7_EfLHUo?feature=shared

Matt Price: Mr. Make It Happen

Seafood is where he bagged me. I grew up close enough to the shore to enjoy it, and far enough away for it to be special. The occasional New Year’s shrimp feast, the here and there summer crab pick, and the grand splurge at a seafood restaurant all made shellfish precious to me. Now that I live in the midwest, seafood is nostalgic, so when Mr. Make It Happen was making it happen with crab meat he had my attention. A lot of other chefs don’t use crab so much, Marylanders like me can’t get enough.

The exciting thing was that Matt knew the way to flavor and cook these items in a way that makes me homesick. After  a while I looked him up. He’s from Virginia, just down the road. His momma raised him right.

If you want to do seafood right, and lots of other things, check out Mr. Make It Happen. He’s got the goods.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBW5KiJa8Ft42-XNIz4HCgg

Vanessa and the Dogs

 My mother is afraid of animals, even cats and dogs. I had a puppy for a year that I treasured, but had to be given away when we moved into a house on a highway. I still remember the experience fondly, and lately a YouTube channel has been stirring things up. Girl with the Dogs features a dog groomer taking filthy, occasionally badly-behaved dogs and bringing them into a renewed charisma. You can forgive the struggle when you see them get their spray of bubble gum dog perfume. 

The dogs come in all sizes and breeds. I’m learning all about coats and nails and nervousness levels. I’m actually surprised by how little trouble she has. Vanessa is after all a stranger. Professionalism really makes a difference in every profession.

Thank you for all the fantasy dog time. My husband is seriously allergic so we have a turtle. The turtle does not require grooming. Pity.

https://www.youtube.com/@GirlWithTheDogs/videos

 

Paging Nate Morrow

 The fist time I walked down the diaper aisle at Sam’s Club and knew I didn’t need to buy anything, I raised my fists in the air and quietly said, “I’m going to Disney World.” Now we had six children by then, and other priorities for family funds, but it was the right feeling even if I wasn’t going to fulfill it literally.

We are coming up on another family milestone. Soon three more of my children will graduate college leaving only one fellow left. Five down, one to go, and once again my heart says, “I’m going to Disney World!” But we won’t they’re all grown up.

So I found another way to visit Disney World, YouTube Disney dedicated content creators. I can’t imagine Disney having any secrets left as the property is scoured by YouTubers. I like them all, but my favorite is “Paging Mr. Morrow.” Nate wanders the park he has chosen for his new vlog and while there is a plan it’s loose and easy. You feel like you’ve met up with a friend who knows Disney World inside out, whether it’s the rides or food or holiday theming, Nate knows his stuff. If you want to relax at the happiest place on Earth, but you don’t have the time or cash, crash with Mr. Morrow he’ll make you feel like an annual pass holder. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rO_tAHinw-M

Claire Fenby-Warren, Book Maven

 

When I was trying to restart my reading habit I set aside my foray into Book Tube. I was overwhelmed by the books I already own and want to read, all these other choices flooding in made it feel impossible. I’m back on track partly due to my triple TBR lists, the hint of spring in the air and my new zettelkasten, so it was time to try again.

It helps to go with a friend and Ariel has been friends with Claire for many years and hairstyles. Claire’s taste in books is similar to mine which keeps the exploding Goodreads list at bay. She doesn’t mind repurchasing books in new editions, something I don’t do because I always have so many books that I want but don’t have. It is nice though to be caught up on the stylish editions. When I get better organized I might do a small collection for fancy’s sake. Something like John Donne in tobacco leather would be good or Enheduanna in gold leaf.

Claire is frequently joined by her husband Ben who is charming and seems perfectly suited to her. The bookish adventures they go on are enticing. Bath, York, London she is always at home. You might feel at home on her channel.

http://www.youtube.com/@Claire_Fenby

Greg Cohen: Muggle Wonka

 I’ve watched and watched Greg make his image candy, and it amazes me every time. Starting with a boiling cauldron of death sugar, he adds colors and flavorings, and then works it to the right consistency and temperature. Using giant, metal scissors he cuts apart the mass and then fashions the parts into a cylinder. The cylinder gets pulled smaller and smaller into rods which are then broken into pieces. Inside each piece is an image, roses, flags, Frankenstein. 

He also makes other forms of candy as well using antique machinery he has restored himself. Watching that happen is fascinating and fun, especially when he drops the sheets at the end and they fall into individual pieces. 

If I’m ever in Tallahassee, I’m stopping in at Public Displays of Confection, and I hope I catch Greg making magic.

https://www.youtube.com/@LoftyPursuits

Cats and a Dog

 Furniture restoration is so meditative. I watch a lot of it, and I found two artisans who belong together. They are Mayfield Restorations and Flipping Drawers. Both are very competent at restoration surpassing even the idea of refinishing. They take on interesting, unusual pieces of furniture and occasionally challenge each other with the odd duck piece off of Facebook Marketplace. 

They also love their pets. The proprietor of Flipping Drawers stocks snacks for the neighborhood cats who visit regularly. David of Mayfield Restorations takes breaks to play with his darling dog Daisy who loves corks. Both distractions can be heartily endorsed as worthy additions to the regular videos.

https://www.youtube.com/@Flippingdrawers

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl1-RB3CtuRDNv3jAY1eUkQ

Max Miller: Tasting History

 

I love history, and all things that get me closer to lost times. Max Miller puts us right there by recreating the food from other times and places. His channel goes deep into recipes from almost any era you can imagine. He is pleasant to listen to as he provides background for the food and the history. He then makes the food, often simplifying it for average cooks. He rounds out the video with a tasting and brief wrap-up.

If you like history at all you will like this. I can see it also being a handy reference for school history projects. Max has also written a Tasting History cookbook that is on my list of books to acquire. He’s just all around educational and entertaining.

Homesteading with the Zimmermans: The Rhythm of Life

 I’ve never been super drawn to the homesteading life. I like to read too much, but the grand mothering life is one of my fondest ambitions. I had terrific grandparents who knew how to dial it down to my rhythm. They were my favorite people in the world.

When I am so blessed as to have grandchildren, I want to remember the special patience and loving attention so I can live that with my little ones. Homesteading with the Zimmermans lives in that gentle patience. I can be a little frenetic, and Ruth Ann’s pacing is a steadying gauge. She teaches old time skills, sometimes directly to the viewer, sometimes to her children. Her home and farm are beautiful in a completely non-fussy way. I need to remember children are curious and they break things. 

Homesteading with the Zimmermans is a reset for busy lives. There are good things to learn, beautiful things to see and a quiet reminder that God is good. 

Connie Clark: Faffing About

 

Normally I prefer my furniture to be finished with a wood stain rather than painted. There are some exceptions, but not often. That said, watching Connie smear, slather, smoosh and swoosh paint on furniture is fascinating. I’d like to see what she would do on a proper canvas, but I’ll keep watching her work on furniture. There is a cheerfulness about Connie as she works, a gleeful journey of discovery, that stretches my limits on what makes a good furniture flip.

She is a representative for Dixie Belle paint products. She really seems to know her stuff about getting the best from their products. The colors she pulls usually have me drooling. I don’t think I’d care about Dixie Belle if it weren’t for Connie.

This is a creative adventure channel. It inspires dreams of transforming furniture with wild abandon, nothing held back. There is no prescribed ending only more and more and more. This is maximalism in paint.

Claire Saffitz: Expert.

 

When I was thinking about You Tube cooking channels I watch I realized I was fairly light on women. After thousands of years of oppression I feel women should be given every leg up they can get, so I started reviewing the channels with women. It turns out I watch a lot of women, but usually on the standard channels, Food Network and such. You Tube rewards the aggressive personality and that’s usually men.

Hunting through the You Tube channels I remembered Claire Saffitz. When I am working out a new bread or dessert recipe I gather expert advice, and Claire has always been on the list of experts I consult. She slipped my mind because she is so obviously adept. She had made it to the magic circle of Martha, Ina, and America’s Test Kitchen complete. 

Claire knows her stuff. She is also prone to small mistakes that make good television. I don’t worry when trying her recipes, and I enjoy watching her make things I’d never attempt. She is as sciency as ATK and real as Martha and Ina. She is particularly focused on breads and desserts. My family runs on these categories during the holidays and all new recipes are welcome. Claire is fun to watch and truly educational. What more could you ask for? Go and see for yourself.

https://www.youtube.com/c/ClaireSaffitzxDessertPerson

JoAnne Salmon: Swimming Along in Watercolors

 

As a preschooler I was quite delighted to find out that Mrs Wetzel would be coming over to babysit me one day after church. Mrs. Wetzel was a first grade teacher who always had interesting things to do. When she arrived she asked if I could keep a secret, and went back to her car to get a large canvas and other painting supplies. She didn’t expect to get very far with a preschooler on her hands, but I was mesmerized watching the barn and field coming to life. She had it nearly finished by the time my parents came back. She presented them with the painting as a present. I was proud of my contribution of sitting on the bench quietly.

Painting still has the power to hold my attention, and lately it’s been JoAnne Salmon who’s been wielding the brush. Her scenes are charming, and I like the colors she uses. The little animations at the end make you smile. I believe she worked on a children’s show, and I want to find out more about it. 

JoAnne’s channel is young, so you can easily get in on the ground floor. Be careful though. I blew through most of the existing episodes in a few days. There is something restful to the mind about Jo’s work. I may go back and rewatch them all.

https://www.youtube.com/@joannesalmon

Frieda Vizel: A Guiding Light

 I love meeting new people and exploring new cultures. I try to have something good to offer, and to appreciate whatever I’m given. Having a guide can be truly helpful, especially one that understands with love the culture they are presenting. 

Frieda Vizel is such a guide to Hasidic Judaism in New York. Born into the community she found herself on the outside due to some bad luck in marriage and a questing mind. She now leads tours in the area explaining Hasidic customs and life. For those of us unable to travel to New York she brings the community to us with insightful videos, interviews and, of course, tours. She is smart and thoughtful, while tender and kind. She speaks her truth with love.

https://www.youtube.com/@FriedaVizelBrooklyn

Psych To Go: Steps Gently

 

Psychological information can be very useful and hard to come by. The Psych To Go channel brings handy topics within easy reach. The videos are brief and focused. They are often ideas I haven’t found in any other source. The format is soothing. Triggers are avoided. The conclusion is generally positive. They offer a bibliography for their sources. Most of the time if there is a Psych To Go video in my feed I’ll watch it. You might enjoy them too.

Holly is Back: MO River Soap Co.

 

I love watching soap making. This is no news flash, but one of my favorites has been on the sidelines. Holly is so calm and confident with everything she does, and it is incredibly relaxing to watch. Her soaps are fun but in a measured way that sets them apart. Her designs are classy without being stuffy. I buy them for the people I love. One day I’ll get my own box from MO River Soap. 

This is the other miracle of Holly, her box packing videos. After a big release she pulls up the camera and chats away while putting together beautiful box after beautiful box. I find them truly addictive and watch them with tea or hot chocolate nearby.

Holly had been missing for a while because she was following her dream to live in Montana. Roughing it in her lovely fifth-wheel, she just finished building her soap studio, and is now ready to tackle their log cabin. I wish her all the best.

https://www.youtube.com/@moriversoap/videos

Simone Giertz: Creator of Useless Things

 

Watching Simone Giertz is a quick cure for humorous hubris. She walks a narrow line between surprisingly useful and the characteristically crazy. She has no problem falling off the line in either direction. I have no problem watching, placing internal bets on what it will be this time.

If you have ever had a problem that required a very specific solution, one that is not presented to the masses, watch Simone. If you like to make things that are very personal or experimental, watch Simone. If you love Rube Goldberg, watch Simone. If you just need a reminder that your time is your own to waste as you please, watch Simone.

There is something very healing about this channel. You really won’t be wasting your time.

https://www.youtube.com/@simonegiertz/featured

Sharmon from SWF Beach Life

 Shelling is my favorite thing to do at the beach. Everything is fun at the beach, but shelling feels productive. It scratches my need to collect. I live in Michigan, so going shelling is an infrequent pleasure, but there is a quick fix, SWF Beach Life. 

This one woman show takes you to the best beaches for shelling in South Florida and then proceeds to dazzle the viewer with treasure after treasure plucked from the sand. She both narrates parts of the video and lets you have “beach time” just recording the ambient sounds. 

If the beach is your happy place, then this channel is a must. You might want to rub on a little sunscreen, and then you’re there.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsoaASPXRtE