How to Bring Traditional Skills into Your Modern Cottagecore Life
There’s just something magical about bringing old-school skills like gardening and baking into your everyday life. These time-honored traditions aren’t just about getting stuff done; they’re about slowing down, enjoying the moment, and feeling a deeper connection to nature and yourself. Trust me, as someone who grew up learning how to sew, garden, and bake from my family, there’s nothing quite like it. Let’s chat about some fun, easy ways to work these skills into your modern cottagecore vibe.
Gardening: Growing More Than Just Greenery
Start Small
If you’re new to gardening, don’t stress. Just start with herbs like basil, mint, or rosemary. They’re super easy to grow, and there’s nothing more satisfying than snipping a bit of fresh basil for your pasta. Herbs are forgiving plants, too—give them a sunny windowsill, water them when the soil feels dry, and they’ll thrive. Watching those tiny green leaves grow bigger each day is a total mood booster.
Fun Idea: Make a "potion garden" with plants like lavender, chamomile, and lemon balm. Not only do these smell heavenly, but you can brew your own calming teas or whip up some soothing bath soaks. For extra cottagecore vibes, use mismatched vintage teacups or quirky pots to house your plants. It’s like a little slice of magic right on your windowsill.
Grow with the Seasons
Channel your inner farmer and try planting with the seasons! Spring is perfect for radishes and lettuce, summer brings juicy tomatoes and cucumbers, and fall means pumpkins and hearty root veggies. Seasonal gardening keeps things fresh and exciting—plus, rotating crops is great for soil health. My dad once grew a pumpkin so big it won a prize at the local fair. While you might not be aiming for a blue ribbon, there’s something thrilling about seeing your hard work pay off in colorful, delicious produce.
Get the Kids Involved
Gardening with kids is messy, sure, but it’s also pure joy. My little ones love digging holes, planting seeds, and watching their strawberries or marigolds bloom. Give them their own patch or a small container garden to manage—they’ll be thrilled to have their very own project, and you’ll be sneaking in some hands-on nature lessons.
Baking: Cozy Vibes in the Kitchen
Start Easy
Let’s keep it simple, especially if baking feels intimidating. Go for recipes like banana bread, muffins, or chocolate chip cookies. These classics are hard to mess up and so satisfying to make. My secret weapon? My trusty KitchenAid mixer. This thing has been with me for over a decade, and it’s saved me countless hours of mixing by hand. If you don’t have one, a good hand mixer works wonders too.
Pro Tip: Add a whimsical twist by foraging for edible flowers like violets or nasturtiums. They’re easy to find (check your yard or local parks) and can be pressed into cookies or sprinkled over cakes. It’s a simple way to turn your baked goods into something straight out of a fairytale.
Bake Big Batches
Double your recipes whenever you can. Make two loaves of banana bread or extra cookie dough to freeze. On a busy day, you’ll be so grateful for that stash of homemade treats waiting in the freezer. Trust me, nothing beats the smell of cookies baking when you didn’t even have to mix the dough that day.
Let It Be a Family Thing
Kids love baking—and yes, they also love making a mess. Let them get hands-on by rolling out dough or adding sprinkles to cupcakes. Sure, flour might end up everywhere, but the memories you’ll create are worth every bit of cleanup. Plus, there’s nothing cuter than seeing little ones proudly show off their creations.
Modern Tools for Vintage Skills
Look, we’re not living in the 1800s, so why not use modern tools to make these traditional skills even more enjoyable?
Gardening Helpers: Self-watering pots are a lifesaver if you’re forgetful about watering. Raised garden beds can save your back and make planting easier.
Baking Gadgets: If you’re short on time, a bread machine can knead and proof your dough while you focus on other tasks. It’s like having a little baking assistant.
DIY Fun: Invest in a dehydrator to preserve your garden’s bounty. Make apple chips, dried herbs, or even fruit leather. It’s an easy way to enjoy your harvest year-round.
Speaking of gadgets, my Ninja dehydrator and air fryer have saved me so many times. Whether it’s quickly drying herbs or whipping up a last-minute snack, these tools have made modern cottagecore living so much easier.
Living Your Best Cottagecore Life
Cottagecore isn’t about perfection. It’s about finding joy in the little things, whether that’s tending to your tiny herb garden, pulling fresh bread out of the oven, or simply slowing down to enjoy the process. These traditional skills bring so much heart into our modern lives, reminding us that there’s beauty in simplicity.
So, what do you think? Are you ready to get your hands dirty in the garden or dusted with flour in the kitchen? I’d love to hear all about your cottagecore adventures—triumphs, challenges, and even those hilarious mishaps. Share your stories in the comments and let’s swap tips!
Brooke
Hello Gorgeous Threads
