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Welcome to the Cottage.

The Tiny Canal Cottage is a resource for helping folks mindfully conceptualize, decorate and enjoy versatile + smaller home spaces. Founded by designer, consultant, stylist, creative director and author, Whitney Leigh Morris, this family-owned small business recently finished the construction of a new, compact cottage and greenhouse-office in the southeastern US, and are also restoring a little 1800s French farmhouse and its outbuildings with co-stewards. Morris’ focus is crafting flexible, sustainable, and more community-focused home spaces. Explore Whitney’s book, blog, and social channels for years of tips and tales from living and working in — and with — a smaller footprint.

A Personal Ode to Public Libraries

A Personal Ode to Public Libraries

Earlier this month I found myself tiptoeing alone through the public library with my tripod and camera, trying to discretely capture a particular visual that had long been brewing in my mind. I’d hoped to use the footage to help spread the word about Library Card Sign-Up Month, an event that takes place every September in the United States in tandem with the start of the new school year.

Unfortunately, the library’s sign-up campaign kickoff is often drowned out by concurrent and omnipresent “back-to-school” consumer festivities. Yet as retailers loudly inundate children and caregivers with the latest trends before clearing store shelves for Halloween candy and decorations, a library card quietly remains one of the most timeless, useful, versatile, accessible and cost-effective back-to-school supplies available.

In the past 2½ years alone, local public libraries have saved my family a whopping $24,000.We’ve borrowed hundreds of books, reserved private study spaces, checked out STEM kits and sensory toys, attended special community events at various branches, and more.

But it’s not just about the money— the library has saved our family so much space.

Wait - Do I Hate Hosting Now?

Wait - Do I Hate Hosting Now?

Sharing Responsibilities Across Family Lines

Sharing Responsibilities Across Family Lines