Sometimes simple living is about knowing when to take breaks with something that brings you joy and comfort. Maybe we can't all run away to a cottage in the country or have space for a garden, but most of us can scrape out two hours to light a candle, pour a cup of something comforting, and curl up to watch a movie or show.
Here are some top recommendations for mood lifting, cottagey entertainment to lose yourself in.
Over the Garden Wall
While a lot of us watch this around Halloween (and it has some mildly scary moments) this charming mini series is delightfully animated and well worth a watch. Plus the voice cast (featuring Elijah Wood, Christopher Lloyd, and Tim Curry among others) is amazing. The series is divided into ten short episodes and runs under two hours in its entirety, making it a quick watch but a worthwhile one.
The Beautiful Fantastic
This whimsical modern fairy tale features a shy, fearful woman who lives beside an overgrown, neglected garden. When she is threatened with eviction if she doesn't clean up the land, she seeks the help of her grumpy, reclusive older neighbor in taming the land.
Features a love of books and illustrations, gardening, and quiet moments.
Kiki's Delivery Service
It was hard to pick one studio Ghibli movie for this list (Honorable mentions should go to Howl's Moving Castle, My Neighbor Totoro, and Arrietty), but we adore this sweet coming of age story about a young witch's coming of age and the people she meets and helps along her ways (plus it has a cat. Always a bonus!).
Louise on the Shore
An artfully animated "cartoon for adults" this slow paced film tells the story of a woman who becomes stranded in an empty seaside resort and must learn to fend for herself over the winter. Louise turns her harrowing circumstances into a calm, idyllic life beside the sea. A gentle gem.
Hilda
Based on a graphic novel series, Hilda is a fearless, eleven-year-old who explores the world with her pet deerfox. There are magical creatures in the woods, including trolls and elves. If you like it, you should definitely check out the graphic novels as well!
Have you seen any of these? Do you have any of your own cozy movie or show recommendations? We'd love to hear about them!
Do you love simple, comforting, cozy things? Check out the new expanded Cottagecore candle line!
I show Over the Garden Wall to my students. Of course they have to answer questions over each episode, like what is the setting, conflict, etc. They have all enjoyed it. Plus, I give them a chance to try molasses. If you watched the show, you will know what I’m talking about. :-)
THE BEAUTIFUL FANTASTIC is one of my favourite movies!!!
Can we add any scene of The Shire to this list? 😉
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