How Rural Living Changed My Life 🌼 Slow and Cozy Spring Days at the Cottage

Hello my darlings!! Life has been slow and peaceful here at the cottage this spring, and I wanted to take you along with me for a day spent walking in the woods, making a DIY terrarium with artificial flowers and ferns, and some colorful and delicious spring recipes. Since I just reached the one year anniversary of living here at the cottage, I'll also be reflecting on how rural living changed my life over the past year. Enjoy!!
🌸 Links and things I mentioned:
Bucket Hat Crochet Tutorial: • Crochet Granny Square ...
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MUSIC: Epidemic Sound & Artlist
#cottagecore #spring #nature
00:00 A Year of Living in the Countryside
04:56 Strawberry Matcha Latte
06:06 Spring Terrarium
08:57 Avocado Toast
10:58 Spring Painting
12:35 Recent Reads & Hobbies

[@DoeRaeMe]

Haley, I started watching this while having brunch with my toddlers on Good Friday, but then I realized I wasn’t embracing slowing down myself and I paused it for a moment when I can truly embrace the beauty and time you put into this springtime cinematic piece! I can relate to the first 3 minutes 💯 as a previous country girl that currently lives as a suburban SAHM! I’m trying to embrace where I’m at, bloom where I’m planted, and still be creative here, still slow down here. But it is much harder… and there is a lot of NOISE! I also appreciate the work you put into your channel and videos, as a smaller channel myself I can only imagine how much work you put into each video, moving the camera around for each amazing shot! This is like a story book who’s pages I want to step into🪻🌊🌞🏔️🐑

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

You have no idea how happy that makes me--thank you so much, my friend!! ❤️ I'm excited for you to slow down and enjoy a few moments to yourself while you watch it. Thank you for always being so incredibly supportive of me and my videos--I'm sending you a big virtual hug and wishing you a beautiful weekend!

[@christianbaptiste243]

I feel calm. I feel calm. Without having any stress and worrying. It is peaceful. It is so lovely peaceful in my mind. Thank you. ❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Thank you for being here, friend!!

[@donnarakitzis2719]

Watching slow living always inspires me. Today I think I will go on a mini hike with my dogs and my daughter.

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

That makes me so happy--I hope you have an amazing hike!! Thank you for watching ❤️

[@ArtwithOlga]

Living in the countryside is like a dream come true. I have never heard about micro seasons. Thank you for sharing! I have been drinking matcha daily too for the last couple of weeks but never thought of adding strawberries. Spring terrarium - wow! Your avocado toasts are so aesthetic. The bucket hat is so adorable😍

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Aww thank you so much for all of your kind words, beauty!! ❤️ Your comment made my day. I hope you have a chance to try strawberry matcha soon, it is sooo yummy, especially during strawberry season!! Thank you so much for watching 🤗

[@lovingreno8650]

I get sad when I know your videos are coming to their end....then I remember that I can look forward to your next ones. =) Your videos are to me like your favorite book series are to you - I can never get enough of them and never want them to end. A beautiful matcha strawberry latte, artistic avocado toast, a magical terrarium made by a human fairy, a beautiful whimsy painting I'd love to hang on my wall, and a charming bucket hat that would look good on anyone. You are spoiling us with sooo much magic. How far do you have to drive to get to Trader Joes? So glad you've come to love your new home and way of life. It looks soooo tranquil and peaceful in the forest. Thanks so much for you video. It's just what I needed.

[@jbruno871]

Your painting is absolutely beautiful! You did such a great job with the bucket hat!

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Aww thank you so much--that is so sweet of you!! 🥰 Have an amazing week!!

[@rustfromtheroad]

I literally clapped at the final terrarium! So beautiful! Thank you for sharing your crafts and the things you’re learning with us!

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Oh my goodness you are too sweet--thank you so much!! I am so happy you enjoyed the terrarium and video, thank you for being here! ❤️

[@LaurieNic]

Thanks for sharing some spring magic, Haley. Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend.

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Thank you so much, Laurie--I hope you have an amazing weekend, my friend!! ❤️

[@MagicalMindsByAmra]

This video is poetry 🪻

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

That is so kind of you to say--thank you so much ❤️

[@seekerjordan680]

LOVE the blue Poppies 💙 a cheerful pop of color for your desk. One day, when you're feeling courageous enough, you should make your pretty prints available to buy! Or even using your food photography to have recipe card packs. I love supporting my KZbin friends in this way and sprucing up my home for the seasons by displaying their art 🎨 💕 One of my very favorite soft fantasy series (not heavy on politics or names that are 20 characters long, haah) is the Belgariad by David Eddings. There are 5 books, and it's more of a coming of age story with the main character but plenty of adventure and magic and lovely fun characters! Less romance, though 🤔 ( the second 5 books are called The Mallorean, and it is more heavy and polticial, good versus evil complicate plot lines. It's harder for me to love but still good.)

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Omg I absolutely LOVE the idea of making recipe card packs--that is such a brilliant idea!! That is so kind of you to say. I would love to make my own art prints someday (hopefully soon!) and I'm so honored that you would want to display my art in your home ❤️ Hahaha I am laughing out loud at what you said about the long fantasy character names!! 😂 I just wrote down the series you suggested and I'm so excited to check them out--I can't get enough fantasy lately and it sounds like such a great read! Thank you SO much for being here and for your amazing support ❤️ Have a wonderful weekend, beauty!!

[@michellem9444]

I wanted to tell you something. I have loved your videos for a while now. Recently, my apartment was broken into... TWICE! My son and I no longer feel safe there, so we're staying with my parents until I can move into a new place next month. The moving process is further complicated by my heart condition (my son has to move the boxes because my cardiologist has not cleared me for anything more strenuous than walking.) Needless to say, the whole ordeal has been very difficult mentally, physically, and emotionally. Today was the first time in a few weeks that I've had a chance to sit down with my knitting and I thought, "I need a Haley video for this moment." This was such a beautiful video, and your calm voice is a balm to the soul. I love that your videos are always so thoughtful and calming. Please never change them! You are a soothing voice in this crazy chaotic world, and please know that your videos are treasured by many of us. I wish you the peace and calm that you've brought us. :)

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Oh my goodness, Michelle--I am SO sorry to hear that you and your son are going through such a difficult time right now. I can't imagine how terrifying that must have been, and I am so happy that you both have gotten out of a situation that wasn't safe and have a safe place to stay for the time being! It truly means the world to me that my videos have brought you some comfort during this difficult time ❤️ I'm sending you the biggest virtual hug and sending you strength and positivity as you move into your new home. Please keep me updated--I hope that this next move is the start of a new and better chapter for you!

[@juliearmstrong8781]

Love the bucket hat! I vote for Alex to model his birthday present.

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Hahahah I laughed out loud reading this!! YES I second your vote 😂 Maybe I can convince him to model it for us in a future video!

[@dejah85]

Thank you Hailey!! Another wonderful morning spent here with you❤

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Aww that makes me so happy--thank you so much for being here, my friend!! ❤️

[@susanspisak65]

Beautiful young lady …. Beautiful natural life ….

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

You are too kind--thank you so much!!

[@jenniferroberts4832]

You’re such a beautiful artist. Very relaxing video. You’re so talented as well! Thank you for taking us along! 🌿

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Thank you so much for your kind words--that truly means so much to me, friend!! 🥰❤️

[@ozgamee]

Hi lovely video! Thank you🤎

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Thank you so much ❤️

[@lumishealing]

I absolutely love your Art 😍 thank you for your Videos ❤ i love seeing people who have a meaningful und slow life next to the normal work

[@Sumaima183]

Thank you for teaching beautiful lesson 😊😊

[@ketutputrining2612]

❤

[@cheriewheatley8442]

Thank you Haley! I look everyday for your video and I was so glad to see this one. So beautiful as always. Feels me with so much joy and peace when I watch them. Your art is so beautiful. Would love to have pieces in my home. Sending big hugs your way! Looking forward to more videos.

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Your comment made my day, Cherie--thank you so much!! ❤️ I am so happy you enjoyed the video, and thank you for all of your kind words about my art. I would love to explore making art prints someday soon, it has always been a dream of mine!! 🥰 Have a wonderful weekend, my friend!!

[@dsims868]

Beautiful video, well done, very inspiring. Loved every second. Where did you get the tiny battery votive candles and the mercury glass candleholder? Love the cozy glow they both give off. Thanks so very much for all you do!!!

[@VickyyTran]

So lovely. Flowers in a little dome is such a brilliant idea for a diy for yourself or as a gift✨

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Thank you so much!! Wishing you a wonderful week, friend ❤️

[@marylumabi1166]

You sound like Cottagefairy.☺️

[@user-nk6ir4dx5c]

Hi Haley, thank you for creating another beautiful calming vlog, i love all your arts and crafts including your crochet hat, I am just learning to crochet 🧶 but I agree that it is a very relaxing mindful activity, country living suits you. With love ❤️ Johanne (Australia) Xx

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Aww thank you so much, Johanne--I am so happy that you enjoyed the arts and crafts I shared! I am cheering you on as we embark on our crochet journeys together 😊 Which crochet projects have you started so far?! I would love to hear if there are any beginner-friendly projects you've enjoyed and would recommend! Sending you hugs across the miles 🤗

[@SophieShaikh01]

Lovely Vlog 🙂👌🏽💕

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Thank you so much, Sophie!!

[@kendallmckenzie7917]

Loved this video, thank you for your calming content! ♥️ I’m a romantacy girlie and have lots of recs. I had a major book hangover after finishing the Maasverse. If you can handle some darker themes and vampires, I seriously recommend the Crowns of Nyaxia series. It’s a duology and a novella so far. I found the duology un-put-downable! Both were strong 5 stars for me. The novella is lovely and a quick read that I think you would really like. If you enjoy really poetic, lyrical prose, I also recommend When The Moon Hatched. I finished it in the last week and it both wrecked and rebuilt me. Deeply gorgeous, emotional read. Also very funny and badass. Don’t get turned off by the first chapter if you decide to pick it up, it’s a weird few pages but straightens up after that. And lastly, if you want something great and meaty, you might like the Kindred’s Curse saga! There’s 3 books right now, and the fourth comes out this year. It’s highly addictive, has a very cool world, it’s just great. I hope you find another series to enjoy! ✨♥️📚

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Thank you SO MUCH for all of these amazing recommendations!! I just added everything you recommended to my book list because it all sounds SO good--I have to read the Crowns of Nyaxia, I am such a vampire girl I know I'm going to love it! 🧛🏻😂 When the Moon Hatched and the Kindred's Curse saga sound sooo good, too--I can't wait to read them!! Thank you for helping me cope with my sadness over finishing the Massverse by having more amazing, addictive books to dive into ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

[@donnarakitzis2719]

Your avocado toast looks like garden. So pretty and delicious looking.

[@ricardapoznanski5604]

❤What a wonderful surprise- I just had finished my spring-cleaning...made myself a hot chocolate AND ... saw,that you released a new video... I was immensly delighted....the beautiful landscape...your terrarium....your stunning avocado-toast( looks like a fairy-story-flower-garden.......delicious....and your crocher-work....you are amazing......and gave me-all of us-a soul-soothing-calming-down-qiality-time.... Lots of love from Germany

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Hello, Ricarda!! ❤️ You are so kind, and I'm delighted to hear that you enjoyed the video--your comments truly mean the world to me. Wishing you a wonderful weekend, my beautiful friend!

[@WilFriPippiLangstrumpfJacMad]

💛🙏💙

[@linp1268]

Ah...yayyy...I was just checking my phone and your notification came up. Can't think of a better way to spend my time on my day off than with you sweet Haley!! 💞

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Aww that is so kind of you to say, thank you so much, Linda!! ❤️ I hope you have the most amazing weekend, my beautiful friend!!

[@sandradorsey5001]

Nice 🙂 👍 📸 video and topic. Learning goes on ♾️ forever ❤🎉

[@user-fz6xy8iz5o]

I am one of your Japanese fans.I am glad that you are introducing Japanese culture to us in such a nice way.😊It has been raining in Japan recently, but today is very sunny and nice, thank you for sharing this beautiful spring day.

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Your comment made me so happy--thank you so much, my friend!! 🥰 I've always loved Japanese culture and art, and it has always been a dream of mine to travel to your beautiful country and visit some of the locations that inspired the Studio Ghibli films ❤️ Thank you so much for watching and being here!

[@williamgray5882]

Your art work is so wonderful and what you did with those flowers was outstanding and I love your nature trips!!! Thank you for doing a awesome job on that video ❤!!!

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Thank you so much for your kind words!! Wishing you a wonderful day 😊

[@TheMennomilist]

That is so wonderful that you are outside more often! I loved learning about the Japanese calendar. I love how your book and your bag matched! My husband makes matcha often, but this version you made looks so pretty and cool! Speaking of all these Japanese things, your flower arrangement is ikebana! Looks pretty! Your painting is so cute too!! Another great job! I love the lighter leaves in the front on it. Congratulations on making your crotched hat! I have yet to read all the Throne of Glass books, but I have heard good things about them over the years. I just finished reading A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. It was intense but so beautifully written and one of the best books I have read this year so far (out of the 33 I have read so far). Have a great holiday weekend! -(formerly) JusticePirate

[@CormacASparrow]

Your videos always bring joy in m'y heart❤

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

That makes me so happy to hear--thank you so much, friend!!

[@princessjenn1985]

I just recently finished Acotar (Sarah mass )loved and just started Crecent city liking it so far . The shadowhunter books are good too

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Oooh I will have to read the shadowhunter series to my list--thank you so much for the recommendation!!

[@cozydownhome]

i love your demeanor 😊

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Aww you are too kind--thank you so much!! 🥰

[@reganstandlick7520]

I have been wanting to try making Fairy gardens, I need to learn how to crochet now just so I can make the bucket hat

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Fairy gardens are such a fun craft, I hope you get to make one sometime soon!! I think you would LOVE the bucket hat--I thought it was very easy to make, even as a beginner!

[@ummato3]

Hey Haley! Loved this video! So has all of the things I love in it and it's so beautiful. Can I ask about your micro greens? Id love to know how to grow them and what seeds you used. Also the crocheted vest you wore! So beautiful! Thanks for posting this lovely video. Loved it ❤

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

I am so glad you enjoyed it, thank you so much for your kind words! 😊 Microgreens are so delicious and super easy to grow, I'm excited for you to start growing them yourself--I think you're going to love them! I used a brand called Sustainable Sprout microgreens--here is the link: amzn.to/4b51XmX And I planted them in a glass container with a biodegradable mat (link: amzn.to/49x5nNM)! I followed the directions on the seed package to grow them, and within 2 weeks, they were fully grown and ready to eat 😊 I showed how I planted them in my Window Garden video, in case you'd like to see the steps: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnPJnHWXesiXias I'm so excited for you to grow your own--enjoy, my friend!! ❤️

[@aprilh5186]

Another lovely video! Thank you❤

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

You are so welcome, my beautiful friend!!

[@tawnyachristensen7310]

Love the Japanese calendar idea, had to pick up the book as well! Loved your video!

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Aww thank you so much, Tawnya!! There's a beautiful book called Light Rains Sometimes Fall about the Japanese seasons, if you're ever interested in learning more--I highly recommend it! The Wheel of the Year book I was reading is this video is so lovely, too--it doesn't cover the Japanese seasons, but it covers beautiful nature-based traditions ❤️ Have a wonderful weekend, my friend!!

[@tawnyachristensen7310]

Thanks for the recommendation ! I'll look into LRSF as well! Happy Easter!@@MyMoonstoneKitchen

[@pseud0nul]

Do you know Emily Wilde's encyclopaedia of faeries ? The second book is out now and I think it's set in the spring season ! Also if you like cosy romance fantasy books, I recommend Half a soul by Olivita Atwater, it's a regency romance featuring fairy beings and magic and it's very charming. (last christmas you recommended The enchanted sonata book and I absolutely loved it and even spoke with the author, it's one of the highlight of the winter for me so thank you ) 💖

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeries has been on my list for such a long time, and now after reading your comment, I'm even more excited to read it!! And half a soul sounds go good, too--adding this to my list right now!! Ahhh that is SO exciting that you got to speak with the author of the enchanted sonata--that just made my day!! It was SUCH a fun, cozy holiday book--I think it's going to be an annual Christmas comfort read for me, and I'm so glad you loved it, too 🥰

[@pseud0nul]

@@MyMoonstoneKitchen Me too ! I wanna read it every christmas. Currently I'm reading her other book called "Entwined" which is a retelling of the Twelve dancing princesses, it's very charming too and I enjoy it very much as well 😄💕

[@writerdreamerreader]

The hat looks so fun! I wish you a happy Easter

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Aww thank you so much, Maren!! Wishing you a beautiful easter holiday ❤️

[@fuensantarodenasvivancos9671]

You are so creative...so necesitas.

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Thank you so much 🥰

[@fuensantarodenasvivancos9671]

So nice i mean..

[@missmusicalphoenix]

Hello! I guess I was too late to the party with my last few comments and you didn't see them. 😞 Thank you for another lovely video. I also love to press wildflowers I find in nature. But I tend to put them in random books then forget about them. I've found flowers in books years later 😄 You're microgreens look great! I've got lettuce and tomato started but sadly none of my peppers germinated. I'm going to get the carrots and peas started soon. Once Spring hits it just come full force! I've been crocheting lately too. I'm making produce bags so I don't have to use the plastic ones from the store. It's such an easy pattern and they work up fast. That book series sounds good. I put a hold on it on Libby but it has several months wait 😬I'm currently reading the Caraval series by Stephanie Garber. It's so good! Hopefully I'm early enough for you to see my comment. I always look forward to your responses. 💜Hugs!

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Aww thank you so much, Stephanie!! Your garden sounds absolutely gorgeous, I am so excited for you to enjoy all of those delicious fresh vegetables!! I loveee your idea to make crochet produce bags, I need to make some of my own soon. I can't wait for you to read Throne of Glass someday soon, I really hope you enjoy it!! Have an amazing weekend, my friend ❤️

[@yanimrmbreno1905]

Aw Haley! I love this video! You amaze me with your creativity to simple things… the terrarium it’s beautiful, the painting! 💓 thank you to another great video! Loved the bucket hat! ❤ God bless you Haley! 💓⭐️🌼did you get that beautiful flower vase from the same place you got your tea kettle? Can you share the link please! Love everything with flowers!🌸

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Thank you so much for all of your kind words, my dear friend!! ❤️ I wish I could share a link for the vase with you, but I purchased it from a local thrift store and I believe it's from the 1960s or 70s! However, I just looked online and was able to find a similar vintage vase on Poshmark: poshmark.com/listing/Mini-porcelain-vase-Orange-pink-yellow-flowers-on-white-base-65cefc919464f315fab3f92d?srsltid=AfmBOoor_Zf2_EnhagoFUa-f846gxB6Unq83LPC8EtQUSIn7LxAu8c1Q5TY# Sending you a big hug, my friend!!

[@yanimrmbreno1905]

Thank you dear friend!💓🙏🌼

[@Meowmix1501]

I am reading empire of storms now! I’m a little nervous to start tower of dawn, but I’m glad you enjoyed it by the end. I really loved the “Bring me their hearts” series by Sara Wolf. The first book is definitely the best of the three (the second and rhe third book get a little weaker) but I loved romance in this and I think about it often a couple years later. Another trilogy I LOVED was Red Winter by Annette Marie. Highly recommend if you like Japanese Mythology. 10/10 no notes.

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Oooh both of those series sound fantastic, I can't wait to check them out!! I love folklore and mythology, so I think I'm going to really enjoy Red Winter--thank you for the amazing recommendations!! ❤️

[@janjentz1053]

I always love your walks in the forest; so beautiful. Makes me so happy you are enjoying crochet. The hat you made turned out really great. I will have to check out the book series you mentioned. I don't have a series; but have you read the book or seen the movie Enchanted April? I just love it for spring and enjoy both. I am reading the book Chocolat; a lovely story. The movie is excellent too. Goes from winter to Spring during the story.

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Thank you so much, Jan--and I am so happy you liked the crochet hat, too!! 🥰 I haven't read or seen Enchanted April or Chocolat, but they sound so perfect for this time of year--I just added them to my list!! Thank you so much for the recommendations, and I hope you have a wonderful week ❤️

[@readsandeats2263]

What a beautiful video. Your painting is so good. Love the tetranium. I loved the Throne of Glass series better than ACOTAR. I didn't like Crescent City at all. I think you might enjoy A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness.

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Aww thank you so much, that is so kind of you!! 🥹💕 I read a Discovery of Witches last year and lovedddd it--and I started the tv series adaptation but never finished it! I need to get back into it soon. Have you seen it?!

[@readsandeats2263]

@@MyMoonstoneKitchen I have seen the 1st season but need to watch 2 and 3. My favourite character is Gallowglass. Did you read the whole trilogy and Times Convert as well?

[@l.devonclenney2317]

Are any of your prints for sale? I loved the one you painted this episode..

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

I'm honored that you'd be interested in buying a print--thank you so much!! ❤️ I don't have any prints for sale right now, but I am currently working on setting up a little shop and will hopefully be able to launch sometime this year! When I do, I will make sure to offer a print of the painting from this video! Thank you again for all of your support ❤️

[@lahannah1224]

where do you get your audio books?

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

I usually get my audiobooks from Audible (and the Throne of Glass series is only available on Audible if you're interested in listening), but Libby is a wonderful resource for free audiobooks, too!

[@Nia_meow_]

🫒☀️🫒☀️