Goūtart’s Cozy Cottage

09/07/2025

This is what September should feel like.
Time slowing down.
Harvesting the crops.
Smelling the flowers you just cut (and I don’t have a cold!).
Finally finishing that poem you’ve been working on for months.
Cooking and tasting every flavor (can’t tasten!).
Reading about those powerful women…the very first ones…and their strength.
Watching the kids reach that age where they finally understand the magic of the cottage.
Seeing my husband heal, one bonfire at a time.

09/06/2025

12/26/2024

As the cold settles in, I’ve found that the coziest moments are those spent indoors, surrounded by warmth, the flickering glow of candles and the scent of fresh winter forests. This winter, I’m embracing the art of crafting my own candles, using melted wax, vintage finds and nature’s gifts.

It started with an old, weathered metal plate I discovered at a thrift shop—a piece of history with its own stories to tell. I could already picture it, nestled in the center of my living room, holding something magical.

As the candle solidified, it transformed into a piece of art—a rustic, nature-infused treasure. The vintage plate now glowed softly with the light of the flame, and the scent of cedar and fir drifted through the room, carrying with it memories of snowy walks in the woods.

There’s something so special about making your own candles—each one a reminder of the beauty and peace winter brings. Whether placed on a mantel, gifted to a loved one, or enjoyed during a quiet evening at home, this little creation fills the space with warmth, nature and love.

12/24/2024

Merry Christmas Eve, friends!

I hope your day is filled with all the cozy vibes, laughter and maybe a little holiday magic!

If you’re hitting the road to see loved ones, please drive safe and take your time – we want everyone to have a joyful and peaceful evening.

I’d love to hear how you’re celebrating tonight!

Wishing you all the best as we count down to the big day tomorrow!

Geneviève Albert Photographe(r)

12/24/2024

At the cottage, we’re knee-deep in renovations, but that doesn’t stop me from bringing the holiday spirit home! While it’s tough to see the big picture when surrounded by tools, paint cans and unfinished moulding, decorating for Christmas has become a way to remind ourselves of the magic waiting at the finish line.

To be honest when Nick saw me this morning with all my boxes, I could see he was overwhelmed. But I knew that later tonight, with the warm lighting of the Christmas lights, he would be happy.

It feels cozy, especially with the storm coming up and I’m glad I decided to do it. No matter the chaos, finding moments to embrace the season can bring a sense of calm and joy. At least for me.

12/24/2024

Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies

Every year, our family gathers around the kitchen table to create a gingerbread house and all the extra dough is baked into cookies that fill our home with the warm, spiced scent of the holidays.

But honestly, it’s not just about the baking—it’s about the laughter, the sticky hands and the memories we create together.

These cookies are soft, flavorful, and perfect for decorating (and eating!).

Cookies Recipe

Ingredients
525 g (3 1/2 cups) gluten-free flour - La Merveilleuse
15 ml (1 tbsp) ground ginger
5 ml (1 tsp) ground cinnamon
5 ml (1 tsp) baking soda
5 ml (1 tsp) baking powder
2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) ground nutmeg
2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) salt
170 g (3/4 cup) vegan becel margarine
210 g (1 cup) brown sugar
125 ml (1/2 cup) molasses
1 egg

12/23/2024

One of our family traditions every December is visiting a small, enchanting village blanketed in snow and Christmas lights. We love to visit for the winter solstice.

It’s the kind of place that feels like it’s straight out of a storybook—snow-dusted rooftops, twinkling lights wrapped around every tree, hot chocolate and discovering history from cozy little houses and actors.

We bundle up, wander streets and like to finish with the “magasin general” for handmade gifts. I found a beautiful handmade sketch book with leather this year.

This yearly tradition brings us a sense of calm and connection, reminding us of the beauty in slowing down and savoring the season. The snowflakes, the laughter, and the warmth of these small moments make the holidays unforgettable.

Do you have a special tradition that gets you in the Christmas spirit? We’d love to hear about it!

10/28/2024

For those of you who didn’t deadhead your wild rose bushes, you have the chance to grow rose hips. In the fall, I like to prepare rose hip syrup. Rose hips are well recognized for their health properties, but they can lose some benefits when exposed to high heat. This recipe uses gentle simmering to retain as much goodness as possible while infusing sweetness right from the start.

Rose Hip Syrup Recipe

Ingredients:

•2 cups fresh rose hips, trimmed, washed, and deseeded
•4 cups water
•1 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
•1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

-Prepare the Rose Hips: Trim off the stems and ends, rinse the rose hips thoroughly, and cut them in half. Scoop out the seeds and fine hairs inside, as these can cause digestive discomfort. -Rinse the cleaned halves to remove any remaining hairs.
-Simmer with Sugar: In a saucepan, add the cleaned rose hips, water, and sugar. Stir to dissolve the sugar, then bring to a gentle simmer over low heat. -Let it simmer for about 30-45 minutes, or until the rose hips are softened. Avoid boiling to preserve more nutrients.
-Strain the Mixture: Once softened, mash the rose hips gently to release more flavor. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth, pressing out as much liquid as possible. Discard the pulp.
-Add Lemon (Optional): If you want a bit of tartness, stir in the lemon juice.
-Cool and Store: Allow the syrup to cool, then transfer it to a sterilized glass jar or bottle. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

This rose hip syrup is perfect drizzled over desserts, stirred into tea, or used in cocktails. It’s a wonderful way to embrace the flavors of the season.

10/22/2024

Morning light = slow living. Take it all in.

10/20/2024

Working on some inspiration to finish decorating the cottage.

09/30/2024

As we move deeper into autumn, it feels like the world around us is beginning to slow down, readying itself for a long, peaceful slumber. The leaves change color, whispering their goodbyes as they fall to the ground, blanketing the earth like a cozy quilt.

The trees stand tall, but you can sense their quiet retreat as they prepare to rest through the colder months. The vibrant greens of summer fade, making way for the soft golds, reds, and browns that signal the earth’s gentle winding down.

It’s a beautiful reminder that even in nature, there’s a time for slowing down, reflecting, and resting. As the season changes, how are you preparing for your own moments of calm?

Us we get cozier, read books, do canning, enjoy slow living and cooking.