Hello there,
I'm so excited to be writing these words! I've been visualizing and planning this email newsletter for well over a year, and it's finally here. It's real! Welcome to the first issue of The Cozy Cottage. This will be a monthly newsletter filled with updates on my latest projects, themed reading recommendations, inspiration for leaning into a cozier lifestyle, and yummy plant-based recipes.
Happy Pride, Fam!
In honor of Pride Month, my reading recommendations for June includes books about queer characters or by LGBTQIA+ authors. For me, Pride Month is important because it creates better visibility of the vibrant and loving people who make up the LGBTQIA+ community. Stories are a fabulous way to immerse ourselves in the beautiful rainbow of human experience! Here are six books that I adore, many of which made me cry happy and sad tears:
Along with this monthly newsletter, I've also created a complementary blog by the same name, which is hosted on my website. I'll be publishing new blog posts on a fortnightly basis. The first post is already available! You can learn about my "4 Tips for Cultivating Creativity".
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The Lovely & Cozy Book Club
This Summer we're reading American Mermaid by Julia Langbein. You can read along by joining us on the Fable app*. There are dedicated chapter discussion rooms, so you don't have to worry about stumbling across any spoilers.
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May in Review
I spent a lot of time outside last month. In Western North Carolina, where I live, I've had the fascinating experience of witnessing a 17-year emergence of cicadas. Throughout my life I've definitely heard cicadas or found their exoskeletons on trees, but I've never seen a brood in such vast numbers! The sound of their collective mating calls reminds me of a science-fiction movie. My Wife thinks that I'm both adorable and completely nuts for purposely seeking out the cicadas. I've rescued many who were stuck on their backs, and I just can't help but admire their strange beauty. I won't share a photo in this newsletter, since I know that not everyone has an affinity for insects like me. But if you're curious to see some of the ones I've captured in photos and videos, then head over to my Instagram.
Visual Storytelling
If you're in the mood for a calming and contemplative YouTube video, I've selected one of my favorites. It's a short one, but I'm really pleased with how it turned out. I've also included a bookish one that I filmed last year for Pride Month. I hope you enjoy them!
Berry Good Yogurt Bowl
Serves 1
1 cup unsweetened plant-based yogurt
2 Tbsp peanut butter (or your favorite nut or seed butter)
1/3 cup plant-based granola
Handful of berries (fresh or frozen)
This is one of my favorite breakfasts, especially during the warmer months. I love the creaminess of the yogurt (I used a cashew and coconut blend) paired with the saltiness of the peanut butter. The crunch of the granola is the perfect contrast, and the berries add a natural brightness and burst of flavor. Here's a tip if fresh berries aren't in season where you live—use frozen berries. I recommend smaller berries like raspberries or blueberries, as they will defrost faster than larger fruit. I also make a smaller version of this bowl if I'm craving a sweet snack, and I have been known to add dairy-free chocolate chips. :)
Until Next Time...
If you've read this far, then you've just made my day! Thank you for reading the first issue of The Cozy Cottage. I hope that this month brings you lots of sunshine and cozy moments. If you have any requests for topics you'd like me to cover in a future newsletter, simply reply to this email. Or if you'd just like to share some feedback, I'd be happy to hear from you.
Warmly,
Erin
