Embracing the Simple Life: My Journey into Cottagecore
As a child, I dreamed of living a life reminiscent of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House on the Prairie – surrounded by homemade comforts, lush gardens, and a cozy atmosphere. Today, this aesthetic is known as Cottagecore, and it’s all about embracing a more sustainable, affordable, and peaceful way of living. When the pandemic hit, I found myself cooped up in my two-bedroom apartment with my crafty sister, and we decided to put our creative skills to the test.
Breadwinner: The Joy of Homemade Loaves
One week into quarantine, my partner announced his desire to bake bread from scratch. Little did we know that this would become the ultimate quarantine trend. We’ve tried our hand at bagels, white bread, whole wheat bread, hot dog buns, and hamburger buns. Our favorite recipe is surprisingly simple and doesn’t require extensive baking knowledge. One of my top tips is to substitute bananas for eggs when making banana bread – it yields a moist and vegan treat! We’re hooked on bread baking and can’t wait to continue once quarantine ends.
Green Thumb Adventures: The Ups and Downs of Gardening
As a self-proclaimed plant addict, I’ve always been eager to start seedlings indoors and prepare my outdoor vegetable garden. This year, I invested $296.28 in soil, seeds, and patio-sized greenhouses. While I’ve only harvested a handful of tomatoes, two peppers, and two pots of lettuce so far, I have high hopes for the end of summer. Gardening can be a steep learning curve, but the reward is worth it – there’s nothing quite like savoring the taste of homegrown produce. For beginners, I recommend starting with peas, pole beans, cherry tomatoes, and radishes, which are quick to sprout and yield a high return.
Cross-Stitching: A Meditative Escape
I rediscovered cross-stitching during quarantine as a way to unwind during TV binges and road trips. This craft requires patience, but the concept is simple: create an image by making a series of crosses. With endless pattern options available on Etsy, I’ve been slowly working my way through my collection. If you’re looking for a meditative hobby, I highly recommend giving cross-stitching a try.
Candle Magic: A Sustainable Delight
As a candle enthusiast, I missed browsing Marshall’s and Home Sense during lockdown. Making candles was a game-changer – simply melt the wax, add essential oils, stick a wick to the holder, and pour in the wax. I reused empty holders, mason jars, and plant pots to make it sustainable. With 31 candles made from 10lbs of wax, I’ve saved money and reduced waste. It’s a skill that requires some trial and error, but I’m hooked!
Macramé Mastery: Plant Hangers Galore
Remember making friendship bracelets at summer camp? Macramé is essentially the same idea – use a cord to tie knots and create endless home décor pieces. I’ve stuck to plant hangers, which take about an hour to make using a 3mm cord. You can find tutorials on YouTube and Pinterest, and then adapt as you go. It’s an easy, meditative skill that’s perfect for impressing friends and making room for more plants in your home.
Knitting Nirvana: A Lifelong Passion
Full disclosure: I’ve been knitting since I was six, so I didn’t actually try it during quarantine. However, I did have more time to indulge in this meditative hobby. Knitting has a high learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, it’s incredibly rewarding and anxiety-reducing. The knitting community is incredibly supportive, and Ravelry is the go-to source for patterns and yarn ideas. During quarantine, I finished ten tank tops and a sweater – it’s a slow but satisfying hobby.
Painting Perfection: A Bathroom Refresh
The master bathroom in my rented apartment had a bright purple accent wall that clashed with my botanical décor. After hours of scrolling through Apartment Therapy, I decided to take matters into my own hands. With some tape and paint, I gave the bathroom a fresh new look. It took about three hours to tape and paint, and another hour of touching up, but the impact was immense. Painting is a great way to make a difference in your home without breaking the bank.
The Takeaway: Embracing a Simpler Way of Life
As we navigate this unprecedented time, I hope people take away the importance of slowing down, expressing ourselves creatively, and developing hobbies that aren’t focused on consumerism. There are more sustainable ways to live that are friendly to our wallets and the planet. By embracing Cottagecore, we can create a more peaceful, affordable, and fulfilling lifestyle.
Leave a Reply