It’s nice to meet you. I’m an over-organized full-time RV’r traveling North America in a 34-foot travel trailer. I love mixing rustic and chic together for the perfectly curated home.
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 a gold rush town in Northern 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, my husband and I opened a business we had been planning since our early 2000’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 went living 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
After working 25 years in sales management, I now create art with watercolor and turn it into all kinds of products. Be sure to check out my shop page for all the things I create. I love organizing, homemaking, gardening, planning, and decorating.
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 43 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
Get the latest updates and sometimes catch me without my makeup on by following me on Instagram.
You can also find me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Linkedin.
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