Aging gracefully? Pfft. We’re aging gorgeously - with rose-tinted glasses, wool socks, and a lavender oil diffuser puffing away in the background.
If you're a woman in her 50s (or beyond) who’s ready to embrace your soft girl era with vintage flair and nature-kissed rituals, you’re in the right place. Whether you're new to the cottagecore lifestyle or have already thrifted half your home, this guide is a gentle nudge back into the arms of simple pleasures.
Please note: This article contains affiliate links, and that means that I may earn a commission if you buy something. Read my full disclosure here.
Let’s talk about how to build a cozy day of cottagecore self care that nourishes your soul and smells like a field of wildflowers and fresh banana bread.
1. Morning Rituals: Tea, Nature, and a Soft Start
Here’s your permission slip to ignore the hustle. Your morning isn’t about productivity - it's about presence!
Brew your peace with a warm mug of chamomile + lavender tea. Bonus if it’s in a floral thrifted cup that feels like it came from a Victorian tearoom.
Take a nature walk, even if it’s just through your backyard or around the block. The goal? Tune into the rustle of leaves, the birds chirping, the feel of wind on your skin. This isn’t cardio.... it’s tree therapy.
Before you leave, dab on this “Sun-Drenched Garden” essential oil blend:
It’s like a warm hug in botanical form!
2. Midday Magic: Thrifted Joy + Slow Living Tasks
Midlife is when you realize that wiping down your counters with a homemade cleaning spray can actually spark joy. Yep... Marie Kondo meets Grandma’s pantry.
Try this natural cleaning solution for cottagecore vibes:
- 1 cup distilled white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 10 drops Lavender essential oil
- 5 drops Lemon essential oil
Add it to a glass spray bottle and feel smug in the best way.
Then? Off you go to your favorite thrift store, flea market, or Facebook Marketplace scroll sesh. Look for:
- Linen aprons
- Floral china
- Old books with yellowed pages
- Quilts that tell stories
And while you're at it, whip up a loaf of banana bread or a batch of rosemary scones. Because yes... you deserve baked goods on a Tuesday.
3. Afternoon Pause: The Journaling Nook
Let’s get introspective, shall we?
Curl into a reading chair or cozy nook with a journal that feels like an old friend. Light a beeswax candle. Turn on some lofi or piano music. Let your thoughts meander like a country road.
Here are a few midlife journaling prompts:
- “What beauty have I found in the quiet moments lately?”
- “What would 25-year-old me thank me for today?”
- “What parts of me are still blooming?”
Add this dreamy oil blend to your diffuser for clarity and grounding:
“Rustic Wisdom”
- 3 drops Clary Sage
- 2 drops Frankincense
- 2 drops Sweet Orange
4. Evening Wind Down: Candlelight + Quiet Rituals
This is your “romanticize everything” time.
Draw a warm bath with Epsom salts, a few rose petals, and a few drops of Ylang Ylang + Lavender (or whip a natural tub soak for bonus points!)
Slip into your thrifted robe, pour a cup of peppermint tea, and grab a novel you found for $2 at a church sale. (Old books > new books, fight me!)
Before bed, whisper three things you’re grateful for. This isn’t just self care - it’s soul care.
Thrifted Cottagecore Finds That Spark Joy
Cottagecore isn’t about aesthetics for the 'gram. It’s about surrounding yourself with items that feel storied, warm, and loved.
Thrift Wishlist:
- Vintage floral teacups
- Chunky knit blankets
- Cast iron teapots
- Watering cans
- Hand-embroidered anything
Pro Tip: Give everything a second life—especially yourself.
Essential Oil Blends for the Cottagecore Soul
Want your home to smell like you live inside a Little Women novel? Here ya go:
🧵 “Patchwork Dreams”
🌼 “Wildflower Morning”
- 2 drops Peppermint
- 3 drops Lemon Balm
- 2 drops Roman Chamomile
🔥 “Hearth & Home”
- 2 drops Cinnamon Bark
- 2 drops Clove
- 3 drops Sweet Orange
Pop these into your diffuser and let the cottagecore magic waft.
Wrapping It All Up
Midlife is not a crisis - it’s a cottage. And you, my friend, are the warm-hearted woman who tends it with care!
This season of life is YOURS to fill with softness, intentionality, and handpicked beauty. Whether it’s a daily walk, a well-worn book, or your favorite teacup, cottagecore self care is here to remind you that the little things are the big things.
Ready to dive deeper?
Here are some more great posts you might like to check out:
- Eco-Friendly Beauty - How To Make DIY Bath Melts
- Beautiful Butterfly Shea Butter Essential Oils Soap Bars
- 7 Ways To Thrift Your Way To A Romantic Cottagecore Wedding
AI Image Disclosure: Some of the images in this post were made using AI, kind of like how I used to use stock photos back in the day—but now I can make exactly what I want to help you visualize what I’m talking about. The vibe is totally me—just with a sprinkle of tech magic to bring it to life!
