Cottage Journal

Taking the Bad Dreams Out | A Little Magic Before Bedtime
Taking the Bad Dreams Out | A Little Magic Before Bedtime
Bedtime at our house is...Well...It's an adventure.If you've ever tucked in one child, you've probably tucked in seven.There's always one more drink of water.One more bathroom trip.One more question that... Read more...
The Games That Built Our Family | Family, Fantasy & Friendship
The Games That Built Our Family | Family, Fantasy & Friendship
Some of my favorite family memories didn't happen on vacation.They weren't expensive.They didn't require months of planning.Most of them happened around a table.There were too many snacks.Dice scattered everywhere.Kids who... Read more...
Normal is Overrated | Finding Joy in the Beautiful Mess
Normal is Overrated | Finding Joy in the Beautiful Mess
I've discovered something over the years.Apparently...Not every family does things the way mine does.This was shocking news to me.Because when you grow up inside your own version of normal, you... Read more...
Our House Runs on Coffee, Chaos & "That Tracks" | Finding Joy in the Beautiful Mess of Family Life
Our House Runs on Coffee, Chaos & "That Tracks" | Finding Joy in the Beautiful Mess of Family Life
People ask us all the time what it's like living in a house with seven kids, two English Mastiffs, enough coffee to concern medical professionals, and a family that somehow... Read more...
Why We Keep Choosing Cozy | Finding Comfort, Slow Living & Home in Everyday Moments
Why We Keep Choosing Cozy | Finding Comfort, Slow Living & Home in Everyday Moments
I don't think cozy has anything to do with blankets.I know...That's probably a strange thing to hear from someone who owns more hoodies than any one person reasonably should, lights... Read more...
The Lost Art of Belonging | Finding Community in a Busy World
The Lost Art of Belonging | Finding Community in a Busy World
I've been wondering lately if we've forgotten something.Not on purpose.Not all at once.Just... little by little.When I was younger, people gathered.Neighbors knew each other's names.Kids rode their bikes until the... Read more...
What Makes a House a Home?
What Makes a House a Home?
I've been thinking about that question a lot lately.What makes a house a home?Is it the freshly painted walls?The perfectly folded blankets?The carefully chosen décor?The spotless floors?If we're being honest...I... Read more...
It's Never Just a Shirt | The Heart Behind Fern & Flicker
It's Never Just a Shirt | The Heart Behind Fern & Flicker
If you ask someone what Fern & Flicker sells, they'll probably tell you shirts, mugs, candles, blankets, and cozy things for people who love a little whimsy in their lives.And... Read more...
Welcome to the Cottage | Meet the Family Behind Fern & Flicker
Welcome to the Cottage | Meet the Family Behind Fern & Flicker
If you've found your way here, welcome. We're so glad you're here.I'm Cara, and this little corner of the internet is my family's way of sharing the things we love—creating,... Read more...