Issue No. 1 — A Warm Welcome from Petal aka Tonya at Berry Blossom Cottage
Darlin’ reader,
Come on up and sit a spell — you’re right on time for something cozy. Welcome to the very first issue of The Cottage & Garden Homemaker, a little monthly magazine born from lace-trimmed dreams and good intentions (with just a pinch of sass).
This space is stitched together from all the soft corners of homemaking: warm meals, gentle routines, tiny joys, and maybe a few floral aprons along the way. Here you’ll find domestic daydreams, porch-side philosophies, a few chuckles from the gossip fence, and a visit from our beloved Sassi Mamas — all bundled up in one lovingly prepared post each month.
My hope is that this little journal feels like a letter from a friend — something you sip slow, like tea in a favorite mug. Whether you’re here for the homemaking tips, the nostalgia, or just the comfort of knowing someone else still irons their pillowcases, you are so very welcome here.
So tuck a throw ‘round your shoulders, grab something crumbly and sweet, and let’s begin.
With rose-scented thanks,
Petal aka Tonya : )
Berry Blossom Cottage
It doesn’t take much - just a simple jar and a box of whatever snack brings smiles. I’ve been doing this little trick since the kids were small, back when a serving of goldfish crackers could solve just about anything. 🍪
I take a peek at the side of the box for the serving size, portion it out into each jar, and if I’m feelin’ fancy (or preparing for a stretch of “Don’t touch that, it’s for the guests!”), I’ll vacuum seal them so they stay fresh a bit longer.
There’s something about having little jars ready to go - like I’ve pre-packed a tiny hug for whoever needs it. It’s not flashy. It’s not Pinterest-y. But it works, and around here, that’s the kind of homemaking I love best.
Lady Jane knocked over the snack jar again, stared directly into my soul, and then sat in the center of the table like the Duchess of Crunchy Things.
I’ll be honest - I moved the jar and gave her a little curtsy.
She won, lol : )
Meet Mama Sassy Butterwhistle
“I may be soft around the middle, but baby, my advice still lands like a cast-iron skillet.”
Mama Sassy Butterwhistle is the reigning queen of porch swing philosophy and floral-apron sass. Born with one hand in the biscuit dough and the other waggin’ a finger at foolishness, she’s been dishing out unsolicited advice since before perms were illegal. She's sugar and vinegar in equal measure, wears lace-trimmed cardigans with rhinestone brooches and believes there’s nothing wrong with a little lipstick and a lot of judgment.
A Sassi Mama is in every issue to tell it like it is - and remind you that if you’ve got time to scroll, you’ve got time to soak your beans. Aha haahahaha : )
Thank you for joining me in this very first issue of The Cottage & Garden Homemaker. My hope is that these little corners of comfort — from recipes to routines, from sass to softness - bring a bit of joy to your day and warmth to your week.
Whether you're folding tea towels, fluffing couch cushions, or just sitting down for a well-earned cookie break, know that you’re always welcome here. This space was made with love and floral trims - just like home.
Next month's teaser: I’ll be back in June with fresh summer comforts, a sweet new recipe to try, and - hush now - a brand new Sassi Mama you haven't met yet.
Let’s just say - she has a garden hat big enough to block out your bad decisions, and she’s got opinions about potato salad.
Until next time, take care, be kind, and if you forget everything else, remember this: keep your apron handy and your sass freshly pressed.
From my cottage to yours, xoxo,
Petal aka Tonya : )
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