The Cottage Chronicles | May 2025 at The Avery Cottage

MAY 2025 — VOLUME 1

THIS MONTH AT THE AVERY COTTAGE

Good morning, Subscriber First Name,

This month what a whirlwind for us! We managed to conclude a few projects that we’ve been working on, but spent the last week of the month exploring history, culture, and architecture in Italy on a much-anticipated anniversary trip!

WHAT HAVE WE BEEN UP TO?

PROJECT UPDATES

FENCED COTTAGE GARDEN

EMBRACING SPRING FEVER

Our country cottage sits on 7 acres, yet had no garden! This garden build has been in our heads since we first toured this property. This project is not completed, but it is far enough along that we could get seeds in the ground. More to come for this cottage garden in June.

Check it out on Instagram

COUNTRY ESTATE STYLE GATE

SECURITY AND CHARM ON A BUDGET

The timeless beauty of an old-world steel gate and classic brick combine with modern technology in this surprisingly simple DIY.

See the details here or watch on Instagram

CHECK OUT MORE OF OUR PAST PROJECTS

WHAT I’M LOVING THIS MONTH

LAURA’S FAVORITES

Check out my favorites this month on ShopMy

Relaxed Bible Study Guide: Letting Go Of Self-Reliance And Trusting God
I just finished a women’s bible study with this book and was blown away by it. It was the best study I have done in years. It is from a christian perspective.
Retro Oval Sunglasses
I’ve learned I’m not responsible enough for expensive sunglasses. I got these cheap sun glasses for Italy, and felt like I fit right in with them.
One Piece Bathing Suit
Ok—my two piece swimsuit days are behind me (for now at least), and this tummy control one piece is so cute and flattering. I got it for Italy and will be wearing it all summer.

VIEW THE COLLECTION

BEHIND THE SCENES AT

THE AVERY COTTAGE

This month, the big news: Isaac and I escaped — I mean went — on a dreamy 10-day anniversary trip to Italy! It was our longest time away from the kids ever since getting married, and we loved every pasta-filled, cobblestone-strolling minute. Huge thanks to the amazing family and friends who tag-teamed like champions, welcoming our kids into their homes and making this adventure possible.

We explored Rome, Florence, Venice, and the absolutely stunning Cinque Terre coast. Side note for my gluten-sensitive friends … I was pleasantly surprised to find that is incredibly easy to enjoy full gluten free options at most restaurants. It was easier to find gluten free food in Italy than the US!

This was only possible due to a heroic pre-trip sprint to finish planting the garden and install the gate pillars. Picture us, muddy and mildly frantic, working into the night (and rain), because nothing says “vacation prep” like hauling bags of concrete by flashlight!

Meet SPORKLIFT!

(yes, you read that right)

A tortie with a tortoise

The newest animal addition to the Avery Cottage. Our oldest daughter had a birthday (14) recently, and all her heart wanted was her own tortoise.

Built In Bed Dreams

Inspiration for June’s upcoming built-in bed project.

Photo credit Palmer Weiss

Meanwhile, our other daughter (9) has dreams of a built-in bed with storage, which has been bumped to this summer’s to-do list. She’s creating her own mood board and wants to do a voice over reel with me this summer of her bedroom project.

And the boys(6 and 12)? Let’s just say sharing a room between a tidy minimalist and a walking tornado has kept things... interesting. We’re embracing the chaos, coaching them toward compromise, but I’m keeping my eyes open for DIY inspiration to help them find their balance.

Family life + DIY = never dull. Thanks for following along as we keep building, rearranging, and occasionally running off on a getaway!

MOST CLICKED LINKS WE SHARED THIS MONTH

WHAT’S NEXT?

Summer's almost here, and so is our backyard ambition! We're putting in another curvy brick path to the garden soon. The greenhouse plans are sprouting, complete with vintage windows and a dream of architectural salvage glory. And because we like to keep things wildly ambitious, we’re also gearing up to mill timbers for a 20-foot gazebo. Nothing says summer like sawdust and big ideas!

Greenhouse inspiration.

Photo credit @bloom_greenhouse

Indoors, we’re finally tackling those “almost done” projects (you know the ones). First up: the kitchen range built-in back splash. The tile wasn’t quite what I expected, but it has been 8 months since I started the kitchen remodel, and it is time call that project finished.

And remember the pantry makeover? Well, the laundry corner is finally getting its turn at a its glow-up.

That’s the plan more or less. School is getting out in just a couple weeks, which will be a major shift for my work day. I adore my kids—but that transition to a summer work from home schedule can be a little rough. As always, we’ll follow our inspiration and embrace the chaos, and see what we actually end up finishing. Stick around—it’s bound to be entertaining, if nothing else!

THOUGHTS THAT I FOUND WORTH SHARING

MONTHLY MUSINGS

This space I want to share some personal thoughts, life lessons, and the real good and bad of the month. One thing I have learned since becoming a foster parent is the idea of “both/and”. Life can be good and hard— and that is ok, and normal. So while I usually share the high points on instagram, that is not the whole story of our lives.

BEAUTY HUNTING

Golden Hour in our forest.

I love beauty; to notice it, and be thankful for it. I have taught this to my children, to keep an eye out for anything that they find lovely. At dinner time I ask them what they saw, tasted, heard or experienced that day that was beautiful. What made one of their five senses happy today? We all share one thing and give thanks for it.

This is good for my mind and heart. To be in the practice of noticing, and appreciating. The way the light hits the trees at golden hour, the soft finger dimples on my youngest child’s hands, the kindness I saw between two brothers at school drop off. This practice forces me to slow down and have a thankful heart.

I encourage you all to beauty hunt. Beauty is everywhere.

Whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on such things.
Philippians 4:8