Cottage Journal

The Dogs Think They Own This Place
The Dogs Think They Own This Place
If you've never lived with two English Mastiffs... I'm not sure I can adequately prepare you. They are equal parts majestic, lovable, protective... And complete buffoons. Naomi, our sweet Mimi,... Read more...
Rainy Days Are for Remembering
Rainy Days Are for Remembering
There are two kinds of people in this world. The ones who groan when they see rain in the forecast... And the ones who secretly hope the thunder starts before... Read more...
Why There's Always Room for One More
Why There's Always Room for One More
If you've ever been to our house, you've probably noticed something. We don't really do "just enough." If we're making dinner, there's probably enough for an army. If we're putting... Read more...
Wonder is a Muscle
Wonder is a Muscle
I think children know something adults slowly forget. They see magic where the rest of us see ordinary. A cardboard box isn't a cardboard box. It's a castle. A pirate... Read more...
The Magic of Ordinary Tuesdays
The Magic of Ordinary Tuesdays
When we think about our favorite memories, it's easy to picture the big moments. Birthdays. Christmas morning. Family vacations. Graduation ceremonies. The days everyone remembers. But the older I get...... Read more...
The Smell of Home
The Smell of Home
Have you ever noticed how certain smells can take you somewhere before your mind even has a chance to catch up? One breath... And suddenly you're eight years old again.... Read more...
The Little Things We'll Miss Someday
The Little Things We'll Miss Someday
There's a phrase I hear so often that I don't even think about it anymore. "Mom..." Usually followed by... "Can I tell you something?" The funny part is, I almost... Read more...
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...