There’s something undeniably enchanting about a cottage-style home. Whether it’s nestled out in the countryside or tucked into a quiet leafy neighborhood, these cozy dwellings offer both comfort and a gentle nod to simpler living.

Rooted in medieval Britain as the dwellings of country folk and peasants, cottage-style homes are typically modest in size, featuring steeply pitched roofs, inviting porches and quirky architectural details, such as dormer windows or climbing ivy. Inside you can expect warm wooden floors and perhaps even a crackling fireplace, ideal for curling up with a book or sharing stories with loved ones.

But cottages are more than just cute. Their compact design often means lower energy bills and reduced environmental impact. Furthermore, their smaller scale can encourage thoughtful living with less clutter and more intention, making them an appealing option for downsizers, first-time buyers or anyone drawn to the idea of a slower, more mindful lifestyle.

Perhaps best of all, cottages cultivate a sense of coziness that’s hard to replicate in larger, more modern homes. They invite you to slow down, savor the moment, and appreciate the little things: a cup of tea, an evening in front of the fire or birdsong at dawn. This is helped by their sense of timelessness: cottages don’t chase trends; they embrace character.

If you’re craving comfort, charm, and a touch of storybook magic, consider the joy of cottage-style living. Call or email me today to discuss finding one of your own.

Chinese-born teenage model Xueli Abbing’s road to the catwalk is an inspiring story, not only because of what she represents but also because of where she came from.

The 20-year-old albino girl was abandoned as a baby outside an orphanage in China, a country in which many view albinism as a curse. The genetic condition causes a lack of skin, hair and eye pigmentation, often resulting in pale skin, white hair and light-colored eyes. In many places in the world, albino people are treated as social outcasts, while even in more “tolerant” societies, they can face ridicule or discrimination.

The orphanage staff who found Xueli gave her the name she has today, seeing the beauty beyond the social stigmas: “Xue” translates to “beautiful,” while “Li” translates to “snow.” Adopted by a family in the Netherlands at the age of three, Abbing has grown up to become an inspiring representative of albino communities everywhere: she is now one of the most sought-after fashion models on the international stage.

Having appeared in such publications as Vogue, Abbing hopes that her success can be a beacon of hope for people like her everywhere, proving to the world that being different is a good thing. She is represented by the Zebedee Talent Agency, an organization with whom her aims align: Zebedee represents models and actors with disabilities, helping them to find opportunities on the global stage and spotlight those who might not have had the opportunity.

This fresh, healthy salad will sweeten up your kitchen this summertime.

Serves 4

In a small bowl, combine balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, garlic powder, and salt and pepper.

Mix until well combined. Add in olive oil and mix again until all ingredients are well incorporated and the dressing is emulsified. In a large bowl, add mixed greens. Top with remaining salad ingredients. Add the desired amount of dressing and toss salad.

Serve.

If your garden is looking a little tired, don’t worry. Giving it a fresh new look doesn’t necessarily mean having to completely overhaul it. A few smart landscaping updates can go a long way in transforming your outdoor space. Here are six ideas to breathe new life into your garden this season.

Add clear edges. You can create definition by installing crisp edging between your lawn and flower beds. Whether its stone, metal or wood, edging keeps things tidy and makes your garden look instantly more polished.

Embrace natural overgrowth. Controlled chaos can be beautiful as well as being excellent for biodiversity. Let vines spill over fences or pathways and pair wildflowers with structured shrubs to create a romantic cottage-garden vibe.

Create activity zones. You can break up large spaces into “rooms,” be they a gravel dining area, a paved fire pit corner, or a shady hammock nook, to help your garden feel curated and usable.

Incorporate native plants. Choose plants that naturally thrive in your local climate. They’ll need less nurturing, attract pollinating wildlife, and blend seamlessly into the natural landscape for a low-maintenance refresh.

Build a mini feature. A small fountain, stone bench, or sculpture can serve as a focal point and make your garden feel more meaningful. Think of it like jewelry for your yard.

Upgrade your pathways. Swapping out cracked concrete for charming stepping stones, gravel or reclaimed brick can be a subtle change that adds great character, helping to guide the eye through your space.

Build a treehouse! Whether it’s for your kids or just for the child inside of you, building a treehouse is an enjoyable project that will give your garden a fun-loving feel.

Need more ideas to improve your home’s outdoor appeal? Call or email me today for more suggestions.

Let’s face it: children are much better than adults at making new friends. As we age, we develop insecurities, routines, commitments and a heightened self-awareness, all things that make it naturally more difficult to throw ourselves into forming new friendships with strangers. We have to therefore make a conscious effort if we want to find new friends. Here are four tips on how to develop new friendships as an adult.

Find interest-based meetups. Whatever your hobbies or interests, if you live in a city, you can bet that there’ll be a public meetup group where like-minded folk can mingle. Whether it’s birdwatching, fantasy movies or trainspotting, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll find others following the same pursuits.

Volunteer for causes you’re passionate about. If you believe strongly in a cause, volunteering in that field will bring you into contact with others who share your passion. Working as a team to evoke change in any environment will bring you into contact with people you share common ground with.

Use your current friend network. If you already get on well with someone, it’s pretty likely that you’ll get along with other people in their circle. Ask a friend for recommendations for new people you can hang out with. Be specific: for example, ask if they know anyone you could play tennis with.

Join classes. If dancing is your thing, find a local dance class. If you’re a fitness fanatic, join a spin class. If you feel your culinary skills are rusty, find a cookery class. Think about things you’ve always wanted to try but never had the chance to; most adult classes will usually have some kind of social element.