A Quiet Celebration
Recently, our child turned 3. What I loved most about the day was witnessing our little one’s clear understanding of the significance of the occasion, and observing his reactions to certain aspects of the celebration.
He relished seeing so many sweet videos sent from family and friends who live afar. However, each and every rendition of “Happy Birthday” (whether pre-recorded or in real-time) clearly made him uncomfortable.
He was overjoyed with the excuse to eat a donut in the morning (which was his choice of sugary indulgence rather than cake), and was satisfied by the ceremony of blowing out a candle.
Adam and I decided not to host a gathering. While West thoroughly enjoys visitors and playing with his friends, he seems to be happiest in low-key environments. And when we asked him if he wanted guests, he repeatedly responded with a quick, “no thank you.”
Instead, we turned on music, had a dance party in our tiny living room, and watched as our 3 year old opened cards that were mailed to the Cottage, and a small stack of (borrowed) gifts.
Like last year, he got a fresh pile of library books. We swaddled a few in our cloth napkins and ta towels so that he could have the experience of unwrapping something. He had fun untying the bundles, and didn’t need any help from us in order to do so. In the end, there was no waste, as the packaging required no paper, tape or ribbon.
We also gave him a beautifully constructed wooden excavator by Fagus, which he’d been requesting for months.
There was no wrapping necessary— we just bound a cloth belt around the wooden shipping box like a bow, and wrote his name in crayon on the top. He was delighted by it just the same.
I look forward to seeing how celebration #4 differs from 3, just as 3 differed from 2. But I would very much appreciate it if this year would pass less hurriedly. I want to soak up each second with our wonderful 3 year old.
Sharing One Compact Closet as a Family
You know those pin-worthy closet tours that showcase neatly stacked piles of pants, rows of shoes and handbags arranged in artful lines, well-lit full length mirrors, and mid-room island dressers filled with drawers of diverse accessories? This is most certainly not one of those tours.
Instead, this is an honest look at how we make a small closet (which was once a nursery) work for 2 adults, 1 preschooler, a collection of books, and A LOT of dog hair.
Clearly I’m no fashion blogger. I usually feel such joy and satisfaction when arranging a space, but for some reason I’ve never derived much pleasure from composing an outfit. But I do appreciate a beautiful garment— so much so that I often end up incorporating clothing into the decor of our home.
Luckily, this also helps us make better use of our small space when it comes to finding storage solutions. (For example, West’s apron dangles from a hooked magnet on the fridge, our scarves and hats drape along the bedroom walls, and our backpacks and market bags border our front stoop.)
My husband, our son and I all share our single closet.
The closet also doubles as storage for guest/spare bedding, picture and board books, our cloth diapering system, and more. (West only uses his Grovia diapers overnight now, but we’re holding on to our sets in case we have another child.)
In recent years, we’ve acquired far less clothing. We’re making an effort to restore, adjust and repair our existing pieces for extended use to lighten our environmental footprint. If we do get a new article, we donate two in its place to help keep clutter at bay.
Most of the clothing I have is similar to our home decor in the sense that it’s usually muted in tone. This way it layers easily and can be combined effortlessly into countless outfits. (In the photo below, my scarves are stored in the white basket, while my socks and hats are kept in the picnic basket.)
If I find something I really love, I tend to get it in a few colors so I can mix and match without having to think much about it on sleepy mornings, or in the rush to get out the door.
For example, I have 3 pairs of wide-leg handmade pants by Thief and Bandit, 4 pairs of cropped pants from Everlane, 3 linen maxi dresses from Garnet Hill, 3 mid-length dresses from Olli Ella, 3 long sleeve tops from Everlane, and 4 versatile tanks from Garnet Hill. I also own several pairs of Rothy’s, and when I was pregnant I wore the same style of Pons in 2 different colors. I have additional garments, of course, but the above make up the backbone of my wardrobe. (Read my recent post on West’s clothing, here.)
Our lifestyle definitely influences how we dress. We are constantly biking, walking the dogs, canoeing, and running around with our son in the garden and on the beach. As such, most of our garments have to support these sorts of activities.
Thanks to the climate here in Los Angeles, my two (sometimes three) winter coats are stashed away for the majority of the year so they don’t consume inches in or around our compact wardrobe during the warmer months. I keep them in a vintage-style suitcase that is often left out in the open here in our house, or rolled into the storage cubby beneath the bed.
When the coats are in use for a few months on-end, I hang them up via garden hooks or S-hooks on the exterior of the closet curtain. (I tend to suspend several of my go-to items this way, such as our robes and commonly used backpacks or handbags.)
I use the S-hook hack inside the closet as well. It’s a practical way to keep my full-length hoodies (which I wear daily) within easy reach without requiring additional hangers. It’s also helpful for temporarily corralling items until I have the time to put them away properly.
In the fall and winter, I zip a small number of summer pieces into a storage bag that I keep on the closet’s upper shelf. The same bag holds my wedding dress and a handful of essential maternity pieces that I’m still holding on to... just in case.
While we organize most of our shoes under the couch, we also suspend select pairs from unused corners high inside the closet. This lets the shoes breathe a bit, without getting in the way of the nearby clothing or accessories.
While our closet is not the stuff of Instagram interior decor fantasies, it still makes me happy. On a planet that cannot sustain our hunger for fast fashion and new styles, Adam and I think it’s important to demonstrate our child that we can live comfortably with well-worn items, and with less overall. And while our clothes perhaps look a little rumpled and wrinkly day to day thanks to the realities of sharing a small space, we appreciate and use each and every single piece we have.
Small Space Preschooler Desk
After adding the adaptable book storage to West’s desk zone last week, we realized just how much space we could save by putting a few more tools and supplies up on the low walls.
This is a tricky little area in the house. It’s our only hallway, connecting all 4 zones within our cottage: the kitchen, living space, bathroom and bedroom. As such, it has to remain easily passable for foot traffic, and yet we also want it to be functional for West as an art and play zone. The low wall here is actually divided into three little parts, each of which stands frustratingly at different depths. This means that West’s desk cannot sit flush against the entire stretch, and that we can’t use one big organizer or shelf— we instead have to accommodate three different widths and surface materials.
We found that one book holder, one canvas pocket organizer, and his perpetual calendar were the perfect trio for the space above the folding table.
The canvas pockets hold pencils, scissors, paints, a tracing board, dough tools, a chalkboard and more. On the desk, a small tin holds crayon rocks, and another larger tool box holds West’s figurines.
The result is an organized but playful space that leaves ample open surface inches for little hands to craft and create.
Easy, Low Waste Dental Routine
I realized recently that it’s been months since I emptied our tiny bin in the Cottage bathroom. Thanks to the changes we’ve made to our bath and body care habits, we almost never have any trash/recycling leftover. Making some simple modifications to our long-standing home dental care routine was one of the easiest ways to reduce our waste.
The products we use now are just as economical, consume no extra space, and even beautify our little bathroom. (Who knew that dental hygiene products could be so lovely to look at?!)
Toothpaste
By 2050, there will be more plastic in our oceans than fish. Over 1 billion plastic toothpaste tubes are thrown away annually, ending up in landfills and oceans. What can you do to help? A simple shift in our small daily practices can help us all make a dent. Bite makes cruelty-free, plastic-free, zero waste toothpaste tablets sent in refillable glass containers. When you need to replenish your supply, Bite sends new tablets in compostable kraft envelopes padded with post-consumer recycled newspapers. Just pour them into the glass bottle they shipped upon your initial purchase, and voila.
Toothbrush (Adult)
Adam and I like our compostable brushes from The Natural Family Co. Their Bio Toothbrush handles, stands and packaging are all compostable. The handle is made from non-GMO corn starch, and the packaging is cornstarch, too. The nylon bristles are BPA free and recyclable. To dispose, break off the toothbrush head for recycling, and place the rest of the toothbrush into your compost tumbler or pile. It usually takes about 1 year to break down into a chalk like stick in a home compost, and 90 days to break down in a commercial compost.
Toothbrush (Child)
Our child uses either a 100% natural, plant-based, biodegradable bamboo child’s travel brush from Helen Milan Home, or his Foreo, which was gifted to him when he was a baby. The Foreo is NOT zero waste, but since we have it we decided to put it to good use until it stops functioning. I like that the head is replaceable, and that it’s a sleek design— especially for a child’s electric brush. West enjoys brushing with this device, so we use it whenever we are home.
Mouthwash
We are lucky enough to have a home and hygiene supply refill station (ReContained) within biking distance. It’s where we stock up on locally-made Ujjayi mouthwash in our reusable apothecary bottle. But for those who don’t have a refill shop nearby, Simply By Christine shared an excellent zero waste mouthwash recipe and tutorial, here.
Floss
We use refillable floss, which arrives initially in a small glass bottle, and can then be refilled as needed. The floss is cruelty-free and compostable, and the refills arrive in compostable paper packaging.
Feature: Growing Passion for Sustainable Tiny Living
Our friends at Olli Ella invited me for a Q & A regarding small space, sustainable living. The full feature is on their blog, and a preview is below.
“Sustainability warrior, interiors guru and long-time friend of Olli Ella, Whitney Leigh Morris is setting the example for everyday folks who hope to lead a fuller life, with less. Whitney's now famous Venice Beach cottage (which measures in at 400sqft) is loved by people near and far for it's clever use of space and her blog and Instagram have become a constant source of inspiration for many thanks to her small space styling hacks, incredible eye for design and the environmentally fueled ethos by which she lives; you don't need to live large, to live beautifully. We chatted with Whitney about her family, her home and her growing passion for Tiny Living.” - Olli Ella
Q: The merging of interior design and styling with your passion for sustainability has really become the heart of your brand. Is this passion a result of living in The Tiny Canal Cottage, or is this an area that you have always been interested in?
A: I’ll admit that the focus on sustainability is newer to me, and is a direct result of living in the Cottage. I wish I'd been dedicated to leading a greener existence much, much sooner, and I still have so much to learn. Being in this small space as a family, coupled with reading more environmental impact reports and studies, sparked our awareness about the amount of waste around us, and our determination to get more involved in finding and sharing solutions for individuals and families in this time of climate crisis. Tiny Living can significantly reduce the environmental impact of a home - from the amount of materials used in crafting the structure, to its daily operations once occupied, which is one of the reasons why we love publishing images and stories about the routines we share here in under 400 sqft.
Q: When it comes to storage, nothing seems to be more daunting than tackling the wardrobe. Living in The Tiny Canal Cottage, what are some handy storage hacks you have come across to make wardrobe organization a breeze?
A: Rarely do folks enjoy this reply, but if I’m being honest, the “hack” is simply to own less stuff. The fewer belongings we have, the fewer storage solutions and space we require. In my mind, that’s a positive thing, as it lessens both our physical and environmental footprint. Having shared that, we all have stuff, of course, and we need a place to put it. I think that versatile and adaptable baskets and shelving are key, so that we can always adapt our space (such as a closet) to suit our current and evolving needs. For example, our single closet has changed over the years from a wardrobe for 2 people, to a nursery for one child, back to a closet again… this time for 3 people!
View additional images and the full interview via Olli Ella. The three dresses pictured in this post are all from Olli Ella’s new WARES collection. Several of the baskets pictured are also from Olli Ella, and we use them daily here in our tiny home. (Our recent basket roundup post can be explored here.)
Adaptable Book Storage for Small Spaces
We try to make sure that the items we bring into our lil’ cottage are crafted with consideration, are versatile for ever-evolving use, and enhance the function and feel of our home-office.
For a tiny, unique addition to our home this I introduced these two, handcrafted folding book hangers to the low wall in our multi-purpose room.
I found these compact, adaptable accessories on Etsy, which has been my go-to source for everything vintage and handmade for over a decade. The hangers are ideal for our pre-schooler’s activity pads, as well as a selection of seasonal books borrowed from our local library.
Our child’s folding desk and his wooden perpetual calendar were also Etsy finds, of course. Explore some of my handmade Etsy favorites for fall, here.
Note: While this blog entry was not sponsored, the book hangers (which I selected intentionally for our home and needs,) were gifted by Etsy in conjunction with a sponsored Instagram post.
Register to Vote
Today is National Voter Registration Day!
Text VOTER to 26797 to make sure you are registered to vote and to receive important election information.
Some Items You Can Probably Go Without (Thoughts on Self Care)
Despite the fact that we should be consuming less to more effectively fight the climate crisis, it feels to me as though we’re increasingly being marketed new tools and products geared towards “self care.” As I’ve shared on this blog, I admittedly splurge on a very small, selective batch of items that fall into this category— particularly when it pertains to my simplified skincare routine. But recently it’s given me great peace to go without the latest items that are touted as self care essentials. It’s saved our family money that we need to ease the stress of high monthly bills, it’s enhanced the simplicity of my daily routines, and it’s allowed me to hone in on what it is that actually generates a calm and unique sort of joy within me.
My fancy self-care go-to is floating around our neighborhood in an old wooden hand-me-down canoe with my senior dog, StanLee.
I acknowledge that this activity is, of course, a great privilege. From the canals themselves to the SoCal weather, to being the recipients of the generous gift of a unique old canoe, to the spare minutes once or twice per week, we are so lucky to have access to this activity.
But it’s not strictly the act of being in the canoe here in this pocket of L.A. that makes this form of free self care so valuable to me. It’s being outside in a soothing environment with my dog—momentarily absent from work and chores— that makes it so wonderful.
Back when I was in my late 20s and early 30s, StanLee and I used to jog for miles near our apartment. He’d play with palm fronds as we loped along, and I’d listen to playlists on whatever device was around at that time. That was every bit as effective for calming my nerves and reminding me just how incredibly lucky I am to be living my life.
When it comes to self care, there is an ever-growing list of “some items you can probably go without.” Everyone’s is different.
For me, I can do without the aromatherapy mist, eye pillows and specialty bath products, among dozens of other things. Just give me a half an hour outside and free of distractions alongside my best friend, and I feel healthier, happier and more available to others.
Dress from the “Wares by Olli Ella” collection
Hat by West Perro
StanLee’s life vest is from Max Bone
Where We Find Toys, Games & Supplies
We don’t buy an overwhelming number toys for West. As long as he has access to lil’ trucks (new or old) and a stack of library books (refreshed weekly), he’s usually pretty content.
But we do, of course, have a mix of playful games and activities at-the-ready throughout our home, hiding in plain sight.
Here are the most common sources we explore when searching for toys:
Hand-me-downs from neighbors and friends
Local art festivals and pop-up markets
City and county libraries
(Additional photos are provided below, with some specific product links.)
Global Climate Strike
The Global Climate Strike begins this week, running from September 20th - 27th.
The strike is powered by young people all around the world who have been speaking out on behalf of our planet and its inhabitants, and fighting for just and equitable solutions to the climate crisis.
On the 20th and 27th of this month, our family and our small business will be striking with the youth who’ve organized this week’s events to demand climate justice for all.
We aim to demonstrate to political powers around the world that the urgency of the climate crisis requires a new, swift, impactful, and meaningful response that will serve the health of the planet while also focusing on human rights, equity, and justice.
Find out how you can get involved by clicking here.
Our Fleet of “Company Cars”
I post a fair amount of content on Instagram featuring our family’s fleet of bikes, which we affectionately refer to as our “Company Cars.”
Most of the time I’m simply offering glimpses into our daily routines and lifestyle habits— rarely do I discuss WHY we bike so much and drive so little.
First, I should state outright that pedaling here-and-there as a family like we do is a mix of planning and privilege. This lifestyle works for us because of a myriad of factors that don’t apply to everyone.
Yes, we go out of our way to accommodate the mildly inconvenient realities of biking, such as waking up earlier, carving out more time, bringing changes of clothes, awkwardly carrying bulky cargo, wandering around events or this crowded city with a trio of helmets fastened to our belt loops, etc.
But these are things we are privileged to have the opportunity to do. We are able-bodied, we do not have to commute for work, and we live in an agreeable climate year-round.
In other words, we’re on no pedestal about our bikes > cars mentality. My goal in this blog entry is merely to share why we bike, and what it means to us.
Environmental Benefits
In a recent article from the Climate Fwd: Newsletter offered by The New York Times, we learned that if Americans cut back on their driving habits just 10%, we can have a big and meaningful impact on greenhouse gas emissions. Light-duty vehicles (which are basically the models used for everyday life) account for about 1/5th of our country’s total emissions footprint, and more than 1/3 of all car trips are within 2 miles. If those who are able to do so use public transportation, bikes or simply rely on walking instead, a 10% decrease in driving would prevent about 110 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from entering our atmosphere.
Family Activity or Solo Relaxation
We’ve found biking— both as a family (with the pups included) and solo— to be such a therapeutic and enjoyable activity. Unlike an errand in the car, a bike ride (with or without an end goal) is a wonderful way to be more engaged within our community and aware of its current state. West and the pups clearly delight in the sights we encounter while out. And when Adam and/or I bike alone or as a couple, it’s a wonderfully refreshing way to get outside and clear our minds.
Health Benefits
I find it extremely hard to allot time in our schedule for working out. We don’t have a nanny or a babysitter or family nearby, nor do we have help with our small business. Because of these realities, it’s tough to find a chunk of time in which we’re available for something other than work, life’s necessities or childcare. (I’m not complaining— just sharing.) Biking has been a great way to stay active and get our heart rates up on a daily basis without having to hire assistance.
Simplicity
In L.A. (and in other cities in which I’ve lived and biked), cycling has a lot of perks. Due to heavy auto traffic, biking is often more time-savvy and efficient than driving on local roads, and there’s always a place to park easily, quickly and for free. Plus it’s a great way to get unplugged. (Yes, we should ALL be unplugged when on the road, but when I look around I see just how many drivers are glued to their smartphones in traffic, and it’s terrifying. As such, ALWAYS WEAR YOUR HELMET! I love my Bern, and West and Adam are into their magnetic-clasp Nutcase helmets.)
Off-Season Indoor Gardening in Small Spaces
This blog post is sponsored by Miracle-Gro Twelve. As always, the imagery and words are my own, with the exception of precise product descriptions/specs, and any images with the pups and/or our son were taken as they interacted under adult supervision in their own natural ways.
Having a garden is not something I take for granted. With the exception of my childhood home, this cottage is the first place I’ve ever lived that has its own lil’ patch of earth.
Not a week goes by that I don’t receive messages from readers who express their frustration about not having a yard of their own in which to grow leafy greens. For that exact reason, we decided to try the Miracle-Gro® Twelve™ Indoor Growing System here in our tiny house and share our experience with you.
We stacked two systems together by using the stacking kit and can now grow 8 batches of herbs and leafy greens from seedlings right here inside the house. We documented the process— from start to finish— for readers who are curious about ways in which to grow greenery in small interiors year-round.
The Miracle-Gro Twelve Indoor Growing System has a 16.5” x 16.5” footprint. When sitting solo, it can pull double duty as end table, measuring about 28” in height.
It’s easy to maximize grow space without using too much precious floor space by stacking two units together vertically like we did here.
A slight modification allows them to link to each other securely, and they can then be attached to the wall for extra balance and safety.
To blend the set-up in with our decor, we topped our dual system with a small number of books, a trailing plant, and a handmade ceramic tray that we prefer to keep high up and beyond our son’s reach.
July 26th, we planted seeds in the provided net cups.
We selected leaf lettuce, nasturtium, Swiss chard, basil, and cilantro to grow in our stacked units.
The system can also grow arugula, kale, romaine + bibb lettuce, parsley, dill, sage, oregano, and thyme.
The plants can grow for up to 2 months, but depending on the variety planted, they can be harvested in as little as four weeks.
We harvested most of ours on August 19th.
Not only could we of course see that it was time to use the lettuce, but the Miracle-Gro Twelve app also alerted us that it was time to harvest.
The app connects to your indoor growing system with Bluetooth wireless technology and allows you to set your growing schedule, change your lighting mode, monitor your water level, and manage your calendar from your smartphone.
This is particularly helpful to use when you want to adjust the timing of the lighting to suit your personal preference within your home.
West is still as into plants as he was at the start of the year. He continues to ask to plant seeds in the system, trim the plants outdoors, and seek out gardening and seasonal books in the children’s section of the library.
He was extremely excited to harvest the plants with his father after patiently watching them grow throughout the month.
We hadn’t intended on including him in any imagery, but he insisted on being there with his kid-safe scissors to cut the lettuce.
He even ate a few bites of the harvest when Adam turned it into a salad for the family— WIN.
Once one plant is removed from the system, it can simply be replaced and start anew while the others continue to grow at their own pace.
This means that there can be a supply of fresh greens and herbs for your kitchen and decor year-round.
The leafy greens grown in the Miracle-Gro Twelve Indoor Growing System ended up yielding more food than we expected, while beautifying our home in the process.
It also turned out to be a wonderful family activity for us to partake in throughout the year.
Through the end of September, 1% of proceeds of the Miracle-Gro Twelve Indoor Growing System sold will be donated to No Kid Hungry to help work towards the goal of ending childhood hunger through effective programs that provide kids with the food they need, such as school breakfast, and after school meals. Learn more via the official website, here.
Zero Hunger, Zero Waste
America wastes more than 40% of its food. Not only does this contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, but it also fails to help the 1 out of every 8 Americans who struggles with hunger. As consumers, we can make a difference in many ways. Even taking small steps— such bringing our own produce bags and choosing flawed produce when shopping for groceries— can create change that leads to a more sustainable future. (See our IGTV video on this topic, created in partnership with Kroger, below.)
Outdoor Movie Night in a Small Garden
On Fridays and Sundays, we typically like to do movie nights as a family here at home.
I’m not a big fan of staying inside huddled around a screen— especially since we live in SoCal, where the weather is usually gorgeous, and something is always in bloom. So this weekend we decided to try outdoor movie night.
It only took a few minutes to set up, and worked wonderfully.
We didn’t need any special furnishings or equipment. We simply placed our vintage, folding outdoor table (which we also use for pop-up dining, crafts, and for offering refreshments outdoors when hosting,) on the back stoop, and topped it with my work iMac.
We’ve been meaning to mail this desktop computer off to a family member, as discussed in this post about our recent home-office modifications, but we haven’t gotten around to it yet. It’s been sitting on the floor of our closet in the meantime, so this was the perfect way to put it to continued use.
We lit a non-toxic mosquito repellent stick nearby, and it kept the bugs at bay. I really like this particular product, because it doesn’t have the overwhelming (often stomach-turning) smell that most other sticks and candles have, and yet it works. We only need 1 to cover our back garden and attached bedroom.
I wore a full-length medium-weight hoodie from Garnet Hill for extra protection from the mosquitos since I can’t sit still for the length of a movie and end up darting around the property. West and Adam curled up under a blanket as it got cooler. (No bug bites!)
Our usual stack of outdoor pillows kept us cozy on our custom couch, which was made from reclaimed materials by Tumbleweed & Dandelion here in Venice.
We watched episodes of “Sarah & Duck” and ate popcorn and veggies. To serve the snacks, we used our PlanetBox and shared a stainless steel insulated cup that works just as well for pre-schoolers as it does for adults.
Desktop computer or not, we’ll be doing this far more often now that we now how simple and delightful it can be.
Video: Tiny Takeaways (Ep.9)
Our 9th episode of Tiny Takeaways offers the tiniest and simplest tip of all, but I still think it’s one worth sharing: Consider utilizing the outside of your compact kitchen’s refrigerator. Every space is different— maybe your fridge isn’t magnetized, or perhaps you barely have room to open the door or access the sides or top, in which case this episode might not apply to you. But when I think back on all the tiny kitchens I had in the past, I wish I’d thought to save precious surface and drawer inches by using low-cost items such as clever magnets and wire baskets. In our 8+ years in this cottage we’ve stored so many items on the exterior of our fridge: timers, reusable coffee filters, aprons, herbs, bottle openers, spice racks, new user guides, table brushes, chalk boards, produce bags, candles, and multi-use clips. This is not an earth-shattering hack, but that’s not our intent anyway. Our intent is to demonstrate that you don’t necessarily need a bigger space, because with some creativity, you can enhance function and character WITHOUT increasing your footprint.
For 200+ more tips for making the most of your compact home or apartment, explore our lil’ book: Small Space Style.
Transforming a Tiny Play Space for $30
The other day we stopped by a craft store to pick up a specific item for our son. While running through the aisles chasing after him, I spotted a simple market/lemonade stand for $30. I jumped at the rare impulse purchase.
I appreciated the simple, unfinished, all cardboard design for what it offered, and also for the room it provided for customization and creativity.
With some crayons, toys, books and goods from around the house, as well as a mix of real and faux produce and plants we already had on-hand for West, it was easy and entertaining to completely transform our main room (and the stoops) for hours of play and learning.
We used the scraps of cardboard from the packaging to make little notes and cash for the stand. West’s existing sorting bowls and their corresponding wooden chips became perfect coins.
It was tempting to buy a wooden cash register set, but Adam and I agreed that manufactured toy money was definitely on the list of items we can do without.
The stand has been great for unstructured enjoyment, but it has also been a practical outlet for communicating some lessons and addressing habits that we think are important.
We use mesh produce bags, we express gratitude, we discuss where food comes from and how it’s grown, and we talk about flawed produce and why it’s crucial to not waste it.
We’ve also enjoyed pulling some small florals and herbs up from the garden and giving those to one another. (And then our next activity is usually to plant a couple seeds, or tend to the soil.)
For us, this was $30 so well spent. (And we haven’t even gotten to the lemonade side of the stand…)
Shifting Pace
Recently I decided to change the services offered by my company— mainly the behind-the-scenes one-on-one decor gigs, which I rarely share online. I did this because those jobs produce far too much waste for my comfort, they consume more time than we currently have available, they induce a level of stress that I feel is disproportionate to the subject matter, and yet they only account for a sliver of my company’s income. So I’m currently phasing out those responsibilities, and will have them behind me by the end of the month.
In the transition phase, I’m taking time to inspect my world at a less-frenzied pace.
I’m focusing on what I treasure most about my business, my personal life, and my home environment.
I’ve been able to work from home for the majority this week, as I’m spending less and less time rushing about LA.
In the moments in between business and playing with West, I catch glimpses of tiny visuals that ignite such pops of happiness within me. Perhaps they’ll resonate with readers, perhaps not. But I’m sharing them anyway (below) as a simple display of gratitude for this tiny life.
Above: West’s stickers and fingerprints throughout the Cottage.
Above: A miniature acorn, moss and macrame air plant holder from Big Red Sun, crafted by a young maker.
Above: A repurposed apple juice jug filled with laundry detergent, almost ready for a refill at ReContained.
Above: A handmade combo cutlery + activity to-go roll for West.
Above: A simple folding laundry rack in use, reminding us it’s still summer while drying up wet spots earned from feeding the plants with leftover water from West’s gardening table.
Above: Items used daily mixed with retired work equipment, all suspended from our bedroom wall.
Above: Pillows designed by a friend, making the Cottage main room look oh so stylish.
Above: My hat, adored on both sides with pins that display the message that we value people and the planet over profit.
Above: My incredible husband Adam working increasingly with my small business— a sight that brings me joy, comfort, and a touch of pride.
Above: West’s chalkboard, still bearing scribbles from the last game we created together.
Above: Leftover flowers from a recent shoot sitting next to an X’s and O’s board game crafted lovingly by Timberchild.
Above: My comfy white Rothy’s—made from single-use plastics— which I can get as dirty as I want in the canoe, on the bike or in the garden, since they’re machine-washable.
Looking and Feeling Less Tired
This post was sponsored by Dermstore and NuFace. As always, the words, opinions and images are my own (with the exception of precise product descriptions). Any images featuring the pups were taken as they behaved in their own natural ways.
As I’ve mentioned in the past, I’m not entirely comfortable discussing appearance. All too frequently women are told that we need to prioritize beauty, and invest in maintaining (or recapturing) our youth at nearly every age, and I don’t want contribute to that narrative.
At 38, I love my age, and I’m more confident than ever in my skin. But that doesn’t mean that I’m always thrilled with my appearance.
I have no desire to look like I’m in my 20s. And I have no desire to erase the lines on my face that are, to me, reminders of a life filled with so much joy and laughter. But I would prefer to not always appear so damn TIRED.
Don’t get me wrong— tired is okay. Tired is real. I AM tired. Who isn’t? Our current world is a weighty one, and the strain of it all clings to our bodies… Yet I’ll admit that it would be nice to look in the mirror and appear as though I’ve at least slept through the night.
Before beginning NuFace treatments.
Personally I don’t want to start getting injectables, nor do I want to slather myself in makeup and creams. (That’s just ME. I’m not judging others.) So my recent plan to tackle the mask of anxiety-induced fatigue has been to drink far more water, process stress from work in a new and less reactive way, and use the NuFace “Trinity” from Dermstore for 5-15 minutes every day.
The FDA-cleared NuFace is a compact electronic device that uses gentle microcurrent to stimulate and tone the face and reduce wrinkles, which is exactly what I want— a noticeable boost that enhances definition and projects vitality, without fundamentally altering my natural appearance.
The difference after a single use is apparent— so much so that I treated one side of my face and compared it to the untreated side and could clearly observe the tightening effects.
But after a few weeks of regular use, I could see a more lasting impact, particularly on one side of my face, which has always looked a bit swollen in contrast to the other half. I’m not sure why— perhaps it’s uneven muscle development, or a decades-old jaw issue. Or maybe it’s just the way I was born.
Whatever the reason, the asymmetry was something I targeted in my toning sessions. I can tell from subsequent photoshoots that my skin has indeed tightened up, contouring the puffy spots, and resulting in a more even look overall.
After 3-4 weeks of use
NuFace makes a few different devices, but I like that the handheld “Trinity” can be used with 3 unique attachments (available from Dermstore) for improved and varying results, keeping the number of devices and chargers required to a minimum.
Having shared that, I admittedly did also get the “Fix,” which is a marker-sized device that targets fine lines.
I brought the “Fix” on my recent Hawaii trip, and it reminded me to take better care of my skin in general while delighting in the summer sun.
I use both of the above with the NuFace Gel Primer, a product that ensures optimal conductivity during microcurrent treatment, minimizing the sensation of the treatment while replenishing dry skin. The gel turns the tiny, occasional tiny tapping sensation from the devices into the lightest, entirely pain-free touch.
Another benefit from using the “Trinity” was that it became a great excuse to get away from my phone and computer and relax for a bit during the day.
For me, this tiny ritual has encouraged me to carve our more time for the simplest things that make me feel less overwhelmed throughout the week, like stretching, basic breathwork, and monitoring my water intake.
Living tiny helps reduce my anxiety in multiple ways, but still… I’m growing a small single-income business, nurturing a family, navigating a crowded and expensive city, figuring out ways to get more active in the social and environmental issues of our time, and operating a home with my husband. We are so incredibly lucky to experience this existence, but that doesn’t mean that it’s stress-free.
I’m now keeping in mind that I’m not nearly as helpful to my loved ones or clients when I feel sapped of life. As such, I’m actively working to reenergize myself— both inside and out.
1 week into treatments. I specifically targeted the side of my face visible in this photo, hoping to reduce the slightly swollen/puffy look above my jawline.
Video: Tiny Takeaways (Ep.8)
This is the 8th installment of our mini video series, Tiny Takeaways. In this episode, we’re demonstrating some of the many ways in which a single, simple, compact room can be transformed throughout the day. Why this topic? Because in an era of climate crisis, we believe it’s important to share true to life examples of how living in (and with) a smaller footprint as a family is not only doable, but delightful.
For 200+ more tips for making the most of your compact home or apartment, explore our lil’ book: Small Space Style.
Small Home-Office Modifications
Our tiny home-office has been the full-time workspace for my small business since we moved into the Cottage 8+ years ago. (See our short video about streamlining a compact home-office here.)
My convertible sitting/standing desk is located in our main room, which is connected to the kitchen through an open floor-plan. This area also serves as our living room, a playroom, a pop-up dining room, West’s sleep space, and a guest room.
Lately I’ve disliked having my back turned to West as I face the iMac while working. So a few months ago I decided to test going without my large desktop computer. I backed up my files and put the machine in our only closet. I figured if I could conduct my creative business as effectively from a laptop and iPad that I could pass the iMac on to a family member who needs a newer device.
It’s been an adjustment, but I’ve preferred the versatility of working on my laptop. It makes me feel more mobile, and less tethered to one spot as West and Adam dart around the house throughout the day.
The absence of the desktop computer also helps the small space feel less office-like, which is nice for West, who enjoys playing with his trucks on the desk, and tinkering with toys beneath it.
I’ve enveloped my workspace with my son’s activities and books, making it a more friendly space for ALL of us during the day. I added a 3-tiered basket to one side of the lift-desk, and it contains repurposed pouches and boxes that hold various toys and puzzles. On the back of my chair I’ve added small hooks to suspend West’s backpack and my handbag.
In terms of office supply storage, everything has remained the same. I keep most items in a single drawer in our sofa’s built-in end table. A small number of paper files that we need to keep in hard-copy format are worked into our built-in bookshelf in the bedroom, or stored in a vintage wicker picnic basket under the bed.
It is, of course, a challenge to accomplish a full-time work load from home with a child playing and chatting mere inches away. But Adam and West often seek and create adventures outside of the house while I plug away at my to-do list. Plus I can easily work remotely at a hotel lounge or coffee shop if the need arises.
I’ve enjoyed updating my work surface with practical handmade items that are not only pieces of art, but also functional tools.
Driftwood brushes, a ceramic paint palette, bristle pens, and small batch leather folios sit in a slim wooden shelf that keeps everything nice and neat, but also on display.
I’ve taken such pleasure in implementing these minimal updates as our business has transformed, and as our son has grown. They’re modifications that we’ve made based on how we use our little home, and the ways in which we move within it. In being patient and observing our shifting habits and needs (and sitting in them for some time before acting), we’ve been able to reduce waste by avoiding decisions and purchases made in anticipation of the next phase of life. Instead, we’ve found such joy in letting time unfold, and embracing what we need when we truly need it.
