I live full-time traveling North America in my Airstream. Spending time in nature and rustic spaces is my favorite thing to do yet I live in a sleek, modern, and chic Airstream International Serenity.
A couple of years after achieving the American dream of owning a big house, I had an overwhelming desire for less. I was tired of stressing over the high utility bills, the time cleaning, and the piles of stuff. I found myself longing for the simple, quaint small houses we lived in when we were first married.
In 2005, when a relocation presented itself, we decided to make the dive into living smaller. We purchased a 1940’s, 920-square-foot house in the historic district of Folsom, California. We infused our own personality into the house but the limited space was not without challenges! Urban Cottage Living (the original name of this site) was started to share how we lived a big life in a small house.
In 2020, six days before the Coronavirus pandemic, John and I opened a business we had been planning since our early 20’s. A coffee shop by day and a bar by night. In 2021, we sold the Urban Cottage to free up funds to keep the business running and moved full-time into an Airstream travel trailer.
In 2023, we sold the business and now live on the road full-time traveling all over North America bouncing back and forth to Northern California, Michigan & Toronto where our family lives.
About Me
I have been married to John since 1987. Together we have three grown children, two of whom are married, and four grandchildren.
After working 25 years in sales management, I now create art with watercolor and turn it into wonderful product. The Rustchic Living Shop is where you can find home goods and apparel. The Pen & Paperie Shop is where you will find planner goods, stickers, and stationery. I love organizing, homemaking, gardening, planning, and watercolor. John and I travel North America in our Airstream named Sundance. All of the national parks in the United States are on our bucket list. It is a bold goal, but we are making a good dent in it!
About Rustchic Living (formerly Urban Cottage Living)
Through articles and on social media, I share practical design ideas, intentional use of space, organization, storage solutions, planning, and personal stories that inspire you to live the best life possible in your home no matter how big or small.
About My Experience
I’m not afraid of power tools or breaking a design rule just because someone said so. I have remodeled three of my own homes, designed the interior of my own new construction, and refurbished an investment property.
I have been hired to design for new construction, remodel projects, color consultation, and home staging. I previously owned and operated Rustchic–furniture and home decor that had been repurposed or upcycled. I have achieved numerous sales awards, taught training on a national level, and provided public speaking on various topics.
I have visited 48 of the U.S. states and 41 of the 63 U.S. National Parks as well as many monuments, state parks, and cool places.
About Affiliates
Some of my articles or sidebar ads contain affiliate links to products and services. If you click through and purchase, I will receive a small commission on the sale but it doesn’t cost you an extra. I only recommend products or services that I personally use or believe will be helpful to you. You can read a full disclosure statement here.
About Community
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